Shows
Maltin on MoviesJon Seda For Jessie, busy actor Jon Seda will always be Selena’s loving husband Chris Pérez, but he’s had many memorable roles in films and television: The Pacific, Chicago PD, Homicide: Life on the Streets, Treme, and La Brea, to name just a few. If you’re a fan you already know that he was heading for a career in boxing when he was hired to appear in Gladiator, which was literally a life-changing experience. As you will hear, he’s an unpretentious guy who enjoys what he does, appreciates the people he works with, and goes home to his wi...2025-03-1435 minMaltin on MoviesDavid KrumholtzIn recent times, David Krumholtz has appeared in Oppenheimer onscreen and Leopoldstadt on Broadway…but Jessie and Leonard first became fans watching him in films like The Santa Clause, Liberty Heights, 10 Things I Hate About You, and Slums of Beverly Hills. He is the very definition of a working actor—on stage, film and television (where he spent five years as the star of NUMB3RZ), with a healthy outlook on his profession and its peccadilloes.2024-12-2753 minMaltin on MoviesEmmy Nominees Michael Minkler and Jack WhittakerIf you don’t think sound editing and mixing is a creative process, think again! Our guests are both nominated for Emmy Awards for their work on the Apple+ miniseries Masters of the Air—and they might be identified as Masters of the Ear. They have created a soundscape that is the equal of a major Hollywood feature, as you’d expect in a high-profile show executive produced by Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman and Steven Spielberg. Mike Minkler is also a third-generation soundman with three Oscars to his credit—so far—and was Leonard’s first guest when he started teac...2024-08-1744 minMaltin on MoviesAlan K. RodeIf you enjoy watching classic films you’re probably acquainted with Alan Rode, prolific author, commentator (on numerous DVDs and Blu-rays), and host (with Eddie Muller) of the Noir City Festival, an annual event in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago. He also hosts and programs the Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival every year in Palm Springs, California. He has several books to his credit, including a biography of character actor Charles McGraw and his magnum opus, Michael Curtiz: A Life in Film. He is a longtime friend of the Maltin family, so Jessie and Leonard had a grand ti...2024-07-191h 12Maltin on MoviesMark FeuersteinAfter starring in the TV series Royal Pains for eight seasons and appearing in recurring roles in shows ranging from Ally McBeal to The West Wing, Mark Feuerstein is ready to explode his good-guy image in the new MGM+ crime drama Hotel Cocaine. He’s never been so sleazy as this onscreen but as Jessie and Leonard quickly learned, in real life he’s a mensch who is devoted to his family and his craft. They all had fun during this fast-paced encounter, and hope that the feeling is contagious. 2024-06-241h 02Maltin on MoviesNick StahlNick Stahl has been working in front of the camera since he was 13 years old and winning young admirers like Jessie because he’s so believable in every part he tackles. Mel Gibson chose him to costar in The Man Without a Face, which put him on a fast track to success. His widely varied credits include The Terminator 3, In the Bedroom, The Thin Red Line, andSin City. After a break he returned to acting and quicky landed guest shots on such series as Fear the Walking Dead and Let the Right One In. He can be seen in th...2024-06-1450 minMaltin on MoviesJustin ChangThe senior film critic for the Los Angeles Times, Justin Chang is also a graduate of USC and took Leonard’s class—three times. Leonard takes no credit for Justin’s brilliance as an essayist or as a world-class punster. Jessie has known him her whole life and is also an unabashed fan. Just back from the Sundance Film Festival, Justin made time for us to talk about his career and some of the nuts and bolts of being a daily newspaper’s leading critic.2024-01-2754 minMaltin on MoviesJohn LandisJust in time for Halloween, we reconnected with director and film aficionado John Landis for a wide-ranging, clearly spontaneous conversation about horror films past and present. John’s Halloween bona fides: he directed An American Werewolf in London, the underappreciated Innocent Blood, and Michael Jackson’s Thriller, about which Jessie was particularly curious. Leonard is always impressed with John’s vast knowledge of film history, especially in the horror/sci-fi/fantasy genres. Jessie’s nearly two-year-old daughter Daisy make a cameo appearance near the end of this episode.2023-10-201h 03Maltin on MoviesGreg NavaWriter-director Greg Nava made his reputation with the unforgettable 1983 film El Norte, and then gave the world an exceptional musical biopic, Selena. He is happy to recount the stories behind those memorable films for Leonard, who witnessed El Norte’s breakout screening at the Telluride Film Festival, and Jessie, who has committed Selena to memory. This long-overdue conversation follows a happy reunion at this year’s Telluride fest. 2023-09-151h 07Maltin on MoviesGive Me An AIn this bonus episode, Jessie talks to actors Molly C. Quinn and Jennifer Holland and writer-director Natasha Halevi about their film Give Me An A. In the wake of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, a number of actors, writers and crew joined forces to create this anthology feature about body autonomy. It’s raw and real, alternately serious and ridiculous, expressing genuine feelings about this startling reality.2023-07-1221 minMaltin on MoviesTom SitoTom Sito is a master animator and a walking encyclopedia of animation—not only for his credentials, which range from Who Framed Roger Rabbit to Scooby-Doo—but for seeking out pioneers and masters of the art form and telling their stories. He’s a teacher, a scholar, a union leader, an author and also a terrific guy who used to drop in to Leonard’s animation class at the New School for Social Research in NYC back in the 1970s! Jessie marvels at the longevity of their friendship, which shows no sign of ceasing anytime soon. Tom’s books include Dr...2023-05-131h 09Maltin on MoviesJamie Lee CurtisAt one time she was known as the daughter of two top movie stars, Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh…but she quickly made a name for herself as the durable heroine of Halloween and star of such hit movies as Trading Places, A Fish Called Wanda, and True Lies. Now, after forty-five years in front of the camera she is an Academy Award nominee for Best Supporting Actress for her disarming and delightful performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once… and she is genuinely thrilled by the honor. She wears many hats, all of them well: actress, activist, author, and...2023-02-241h 12Maltin on MoviesRevisiting Kevin FeigeWith Black Panther: Wakanda Forever bringing people back to movie theaters, it’s a perfect time to revisit our conversation with Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige from 2017. Kevin rules the Marvel Cinematic Universe—but wears his crown lightly. A real movie lover and comic fan, he can hold his own with the fanboys while simultaneously juggling multimillion dollar productions. He attended USC because that’s where his cinematic heroes went to school and remains loyal to his alma mater, visiting Leonard’s class on a regular basis. Jessie and Leonard don’t have to prod him to talk about any of the...2022-11-2557 minMaltin on MoviesRevisiting Angela LansburyIn the age of zoom, Jessie and I have grudgingly become accustomed to interviewing our guests remotely. Up until the pandemic lockdown we insisted on recording these talks in person. Never were we happier about that decision than when Angela Lansbury welcomed us into her home on the West Side of Los Angeles in November of 2018. She was 93 but quite honestly she seemed ageless to us. We were thrilled that she was willing to review her life and career with us that day… and to our delight, she was also pleased with the result.2022-10-141h 18Maltin on MoviesMichael UslanLots of baby boomers read comic books, but only one pursued his love of comics so far that he wound up buying the screen rights to Batman. It took ten years for Michael Uslan to get that first movie made, with Tim Burton behind the camera and Michael Keaton in front, but it was a game-changer for Hollywood. Michael has told his life story in a book, The Boy Who Loved Batman, and now it’s going to be a Broadway show! During the recording of this conversation Jessie realized that Michael and Leonard must have inhabited the same sp...2022-07-291h 04Maltin on MoviesPaul Walter HauserIf you’re casting an unconventional character and you need someone the audience will relate to—no matter how strange his story—you might want to call on Paul Walter Hauser. Clint Eastwood did for the leading role in his movie Richard Jewell, Craig Gillespie did for I, Tonya, and Dennis Lehane did for the current Apple+ series Black Bird. (Spike Lee has used him twice—in Blackklansman and Da 5 Bloods.) Jessie has been a fan since the TV series Kingdom, and Leonard is still catching up with this gifted performer’s work.2022-07-2252 minMaltin on MoviesRevisiting Richard ShermanHi everyone… Jessie and I recently helped our beloved Richard Sherman celebrate his 94th birthday. He is a living legend and a bona fide Disney Legend who with his brother Bob wrote songs we all know and love from Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, and Disneyland, to name just a few of his many credits. We spoke to him in 2016 and thought it would be fun to play that episode again. His passion for music and life is inspiring, and we feel very lucky to know him 2022-06-241h 02Maltin on MoviesAnthony La PagliaTelevision viewers may know him best for his seven-year run as the star of Without a Trace (or his Emmy-winning appearances on Frasier) but Anthony LaPaglia has had a long and varied career on stage and film. Early credits include 29th Street, Innocent Blood, Betsy’s Wedding, Jessie’s favorite Empire Records and Spike Lee’s Summer of Sam. Now he’s starring in Nitram, a drama about one of the most shocking incidents in Australian history. It’s playing on AMC+ and available in selected theaters and VOD. Anthony is a bright and thoughtful man with a good sense of s...2022-04-011h 15Maltin on MoviesKaren DotriceTo untold millions of people she will always be bright-eyed Jane Banks in the original Mary Poppins (1964). The real-life Karen Dotrice is the mother of three who grew up in a show-business family. Her father Roy was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and her godfather was Charles Laughton! Luckily for us, Karen cherishes the memory of making Poppins and has especially fond recollections of Walt Disney, who lavished personal attention on her and her family while they were in Los Angeles. Jessie and Leonard were tickled pink to engage in conversation with a woman they’ve known and ad...2022-02-251h 10Maltin on MoviesKen KwapisOn the eve of the hilarious Space Force (starring Steve Carell and John Malkovich) returning to Netflix for Season 2, its director Ken Kwapis joins us to talk about the joy of working with such a talented ensemble, and to review his multifaceted career. He’s just written a smart and useful book called But What I Really Want to Do is Direct (St. Martin’s Griffin), based on his experiences directing such Maltin-favorite features as Sesame Street presents Follow That Bird, The Beautician and the Beast, and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants…not to mention multiple episodes of Malcolm in the...2022-02-1855 minMaltin on MoviesWoody AllenI have followed Woody Allen since I was a boy, from his heyday as a standup comic to his emergence as one of America’s most original (and prolific) filmmakers, so he is very much a part of my life. At 86 he is as busy as ever. His latest film, Rifkin’s Festival (starring Wallace Shawn and Gina Gershon) opens today in theaters and on VOD. He has another film ready to shoot, a play about to be produced, and a new book of humorous essays called Zero Gravity, all dependent on pandemic conditions. This conversation gave Jessie and me a...2022-01-281h 08Maltin on MoviesAnn DowdAnn Dowd is one of today’s foremost character actresses, and finally has an Emmy award to prove it, in recognition of her chilling performance in A Handmaid’s Tale. She fell in love with acting as a girl and set her sights on a stage career; television and movies have helped her reach an even wider audience. Her new movie Mass opens in theaters today… or you can watch her in replays of everything from Freaks and Geeks to Hereditary. Jessie and Leonard have looked forward to this conversation for a long, long time.2021-10-0842 minMaltin on MoviesEddie MullerHaving organized a series of film festivals, rescued little known movies from oblivion, and written eloquent odes to many a forgotten picture, Eddie Muller has earned the soubriquet “the czar of noir.” He now reaches a wider audience than ever on Turner Classic Movies’ Noir Alley and has recently published an expanded edition of his milestone book “Dark City” (Running Press.) Jessie and Leonard always enjoy talking to Eddie, who doesn’t take himself too seriously—and loves what he does. 2021-10-041h 09Maltin on MoviesHayley Mills ReturnsIf you’re a baby boomer, you know all about Hayley Mills, the charming young actress who became an overnight star in Pollyanna and The Parent Trap under the tutelage of Walt Disney. Her new autobiography, Forever Young, will hold surprises even for the most devout fan, as Hayley was given access to her files in the Walt Disney Archives, where she made discoveries about herself and her loving but protective parents. Jessie and Leonard are very fond of Hayley and are happy to welcome her back to the podcast after four years’ time.2021-09-1757 minMaltin on MoviesJoe Morgenstern Joe Morgenstern is the age-defying film critic for the Wall Street Journal, a post he has held since 1995. He’s also one of only three film critics to have been awarded a Pulitzer Prize. Sample any one of his reviews and you will see why he is so highly regarded. An elegant, witty, and knowledgeable essayist, he represents the best of the breed. What’s more, his enthusiasm remains intact after decades of working the same beat. Jessie realizes that she has known him her entire life but this is the first chance she’s had to talk to him at...2021-08-271h 05Maltin on MoviesR.L. StineHow many authors get to see themselves portrayed on the big screen? R.L. Stine has—and by the very cool Jack Black, in two movies, based on his phenomenally popular Goosebumps books. Bob has entertained (and scared) several generations of kids—like Jessie—with his scary books for young people, and seems as surprised by their success and durability as anyone in his vast audience. Leonard and Bob rekindled an old acquaintance in the course of this show, with Jessie enacting the role of lifelong fan. 2021-08-201h 07Maltin on MoviesSam RichardsonSam Richardson’s performance as the clueless but good-hearted Richard Splett on Veep endeared him to a legion of viewers…but he started winning fans before that on The Office, in movies like Horrible Bosses and We’re the Millers, and on The Detroiters, a comedy series he created and starred in with his best friend Tim Robinson. He has the leading role in Josh Ruben’s new comedy feature Werewolves Within (now available on VOD and in theaters) and is lending his voice to such animated shows as Housebroken and Marvel’s M.O.D.O.K. Jessie and Leonar...2021-06-2553 minMaltin on MoviesJudd ApatowThe moving force behind so many comedy careers, Judd Apatow has just returned from London where he’s made a movie about shooting a film during the pandemic! It’s the latest move in a unique career. From comedy fan to standup comic to writer, director, producer and mentor, he is one of a kind. His credits stretch from Freaks & Geeks and Girlson television to such movies as The Forty Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up, This is 40, Trainwreck and The King of Staten Island. He’s also working on a followup to his terrific book of interviews, Sick in the He...2021-06-1855 minMaltin on MoviesSarah FinnCasting directors are the unsung heroes and heroines of the entertainment business. Sarah Finn has cast every single film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (as well as their TV and streaming series) so she has great stories to tell about lobbying for Robert Downey Jr. to star in Iron Man, why she approached Vin Diesel to play Groot in Guardians of the Galaxy, and how she overcame a slight obstacle to get Chris Pratt hired to lead that merry band. With a solid background in theater, plenty of non-Marvel movies to her credit, and boundless energy Sarah is a m...2021-06-041h 06Maltin on MoviesBob BalabanBob Balaban’s resumé is filled with milestones: he shares an unforgettable scene with Jon Voight in Midnight Cowboy, plays Francois Truffaut’s interpreter in Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and is part of the Christopher Guest ensemble (Waiting for Guffman, A Mighty Wind, Best in Show) and the Wes Anderson repertory group (Moonrise Kingdom, The Grand Budapest Hotel). He writes, directs, and shares an Oscar nomination as a producer of Robert Altman’s Gosford Park. That doesn’t even scratch the surface of a fascinating life and career, which Jessie and Leonard were happy to explore...2021-05-071h 08Maltin on MoviesRevisiting Norman LearWhatever you may think of the Golden Globes, their voters hit a bull’s-eye when they gave a special award to Norman Lear, the youngest 98-year-old in Hollywood. He could easily coast along on his many accomplishments as a writer, producer, director, and political activist; instead he is engaged in new projects on a daily basis. He also penned a candid, entertaining autobiography called Even This I Get to Experience. Jessie and I were privileged to spend an hour with him as he was just settling into his new office suite on the Sony Pictures lot two and...2021-03-051h 04Maltin on MoviesDave KargerA familiar and welcome face as one of the hosts on Turner Classic Movies, Dave Karger has paid his dues as a working journalist for many years. He spent 17 of those years as a senior writer at Entertainment Weekly, and has made frequent appearances on The Today Show, E! and Access Hollywood. Chronicling celebrity culture requires diplomacy and savvy in equal measures, and Dave is more than up to the task. Jessie and Leonard are admirers and welcomed this opportunity to talk to him.2021-02-221h 05Maltin on MoviesJay BaruchelJay Baruchel first caught Jessie’s eye in Almost Famous, which led to him being cast in Judd Apatow’s short-lived but well-loved TV series Undeclared. That put him in the same orbit as Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, Evan Goldberg and other young talents he’s worked with ever since. He made an impression in such movies as Clint Eastwood’s Million Dollar Baby, which contributed to his ultimate goal: becoming a filmmaker himself. He wrote, directed and stars in Goon: Last of the Enforcers and its sequel. His latest endeavor, Random Acts of Violence is now streaming online. A lifelon...2020-09-111h 12Maltin on MoviesJerry BeckIf you’re an animation buff, you should know Jerry Beck…and it’s probable that you do. He is a valued resource—online at www.cartoonresearch.com and www.animationscoop.com, in classrooms at major universities, and in the content of 15 books, about everything from Looney Tunes to Spongebob Squarepants. He and Leonard met decades ago at Leonard’s animation class in Manhattan and have been close friends ever since. (Jessie has known him her entire life!) Join us for an animated conversation about a subject near and dear to all of us.2020-08-141h 08Maltin on MoviesAnimation Part OneThis year marks the 40th anniversary of Leonard’s book Of Mice and Magic: A History of American Animated Cartoons, and we’re going to celebrate by doing a multi-episode deep dive into all things animation. In part one, Jessie asks her dad how he got hooked on cartoons in the first place and how he met so many people who helped invent the medium we all love.2020-05-1158 minMaltin on MoviesWill FriedwaldWill Friedwald is one of the world’s foremost authorities on jazz and pop music. He’s also a quick-witted wordsmith with a fondness for puns. His biography of Nat “King” Cole (Straighten Up and Fly Right) is due this summer, and a revised, expanded edition of Sinatra: The Song is You is one of Leonard’s all-time favorite books on music. What’s more, he and Will have known each other for decades. Jessie says that when they get going, it’s like being at the United Nations without a translator—but great fun all the same. 2020-04-171h 13Maltin on MoviesBeth GrantYou’ve seen her in countless TV shows like The Mindy Project and Oscar-winning movies like Little Miss Sunshine and No Country for Old Men. Beth Grant’s acting teacher once described her as “the salt of the earth” and that’s exactly what she is. Her stories are candid and often hilarious, describing how she prepared for her first-ever sex scene and learned how to act in The Artist by watching Charlie Chaplin. Jessie and Leonard have wanted her as a guest since this podcast began and she was well worth waiting for. 2019-12-061h 07Maltin on MoviesPaula Poundstone Paula Poundstone is one of the funniest women on the planet, and a longtime favorite of Leonard’s. She’s heard regularly as a panelist on the popular NPR show Wait…Wait, Don’t Tell Me and now presides over her own very funny podcast quixotically called Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone (co-hosted by Adam Felber). Join us as she expounds on everyday matters, the wide net she casts on her new “comedy field guide to life” and—oh, yes—movies. 2019-04-051h 13Maltin on MoviesHarvey GuillenHarvey Guillen is about to make waves! He’s one of the stars of What We do in the Shadows, the new FX series based on the hilarious Kiwi movie that debuts this weekend at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas. Jessie has known Harvey since they were teenagers. She and Leonard have watched with awe as he has built a solid career by a combination of talent and hard work. Hearing his story of starting from scratch as a kid and earning his success is positively inspiring.2019-03-0856 minMaltin on MoviesDennis MillerHe’s won five Emmy Awards and is a longtime radio host and political pundit. But guess what? Dennis Miller is also a diehard film buff who revels in watching Turner Classic Movies. Jessie was blown away as Leonard and Dennis started comparing notes on favorite films and the people in them. He’s the same sharp-witted comic he’s always been, but this time the focus is on movies. Excelsior!2018-11-0252 minMaltin on MoviesMichael AngaranoWe’ve watched Michael Angarano grow up on screen; he’s been acting since the age of 5. He worked with Meryl Streep at age 12 (in Music of the Heart), got to improvise with Frances McDormand in Almost Famous at 13, then joined the cast of Will & Grace as Sean Hayes’ son in his early 20s. He’s a likable, unpretentious guy who credits his family for helping him navigate the often-treacherous waters of show-business. Jessie and Leonard had a great time talking with him about his youthful experiences and more recent successes like a running part in The Knick. Coming soon: his...2018-10-191h 01Maltin on MoviesJoe DanteDirector and film buff extraordinaire Joe Dante and Leonard go back a long, long time—to their teens, in fact—and enjoy swapping stories about early inspirations, moviegoing adventures in New York City, Joe’s move to Hollywood, his first big breaks, and events leading up to casting Leonard as himself in Gremlins 2: The New Batch. Jessie learns some things she never knew before in this entertaining episode.2018-08-031h 01Maltin on MoviesGillian Jacobs and her Ibiza partnersJessie and a friend needed cheering up one evening and watching the lighthearted girlfriend comedy Ibiza on Netflix was just the ticket. Gillian Jacobs, of Community, Girls and Love joins us for a buoyant conversation with the film’s writer (Lauryn Kahn) and director (Alex Richanbach ), both veterans of sketch comedy and Funny or Die. Their enthusiasm and team spirit are engaging and inspiring, as you’ll hear for yourself.2018-06-191h 07Maltin on MoviesPete HammondPete Hammond is the must-read columnist for Deadline Hollywood and the best Oscar handicapper in town. He’s also Leonard’s pal, since their days together at Entertainment Tonight, and Jessie’s godfather. He hosts screening series and more q&a panels than anyone can count. How did a lifelong movie fan carve this kind of career for himself? Listen and see how passion, knowledge and determination can spell success. In a business where bad behavior gets headlines, Pete is truly one of the Good Guys. Stay tuned and you’ll hear his predictions for this year’s Academy Awards.2018-03-011h 15Maltin on MoviesMark EvanierPop culture guru, comedy and animation writer, Jack Kirby biographer, and all-around good guy Mark Evanier joins Leonard to talk about one of their favorite subjects: Laurel and Hardy. Having grown up watching Stan and Ollie on television every day, they find it hard to imagine a generation that doesn’t know and love the great comedy team. Perhaps they will inspire you to revisit, or introduce yourself to, this timeless duo.2017-12-291h 02Maltin on MoviesRichard LinklaterRichard Linklater is one of the most talented—and unpredictable—filmmakers working today. His new release, Last Flag Flying, is one of his best, but it bears little resemblance to Dazed and Confused, Before Sunset, Waking Life, or his epic Boyhood. What is crystal clear in his conversation with Leonard is that he loves movies and enjoys making them—small or large, mainstream or indie. And as you’ll hear, he also enjoys talking about movies.2017-11-101h 14Maltin on MoviesKeith CarradineKeith Carradine’s career has taken him from Broadway to the Academy Awards (where he won an Oscar performing his own song “I’m Easy” in Robert Altman’s Nashville) and beyond. He was in the first season of Fargo and is currently playing the President of the United States opposite Tea Leoni in Madam Secretary on CBS. He also comes from a notable acting family and has many stories to share with Leonard about growing up with his colorful dad, John Carradine. Try Mubi free for 30 days at mubi.com/maltin!2017-10-061h 01Maltin on MoviesMatt WalshIf you watch Veep you know why Matt Walsh has been nominated for two Emmy awards: he’s simply hilarious as Julia Louis-Dreyfuss’ bumbling press secretary. He’s also a co-founder of Upright Citizens Brigade, which completes his comedy credentials—along with appearances in The Hangover and the remake of Ghostbusters. Leonard enjoys a wide-ranging conversation with Matt about his beginnings, influences and experiences.2017-09-1559 min
Maltin on MoviesThe Death of VHS--and a Lifetime of Movie FormatsLeonard’s recent post at leonardmaltin.com about the death of vhs—and what we’ve lost in the process—inspired him and Jessie to discuss the parade of movie and video formats they’ve enjoyed over the years. From 8mm film (yes, film) to Betamax tape and beyond, it’s likely you will relate to at least one facet of this wide-ranging conversation. (P.S. You’d better listen to this episode soon; it only exists in a digital format and who knows how long that will last?)2017-05-2640 min
Maltin on MoviesBaron VaughnActor and standup comedian Baron Vaughn was Leonard’s original co-host on the podcast. He returns to the fold to talk about his roles on Grace & Frankie and the reboot of Mystery Science Theater 3000 as well as a new documentary that’s close to his heart: Fatherless. Baron has a knack for being able to be serious one moment and silly the next. Jessie and Leonard are suckers for this, and you may find yourself reacting the same way.2017-04-2856 min
Maltin on MoviesJ.K. SimmonsYou all know J.K. Simmons: he’s the Oscar-winning actor who browbeat Miles Teller in Whiplash. He’s Ellen Page’s father in Juno. He’s costarred in such TV series as Oz and The Closer and sells insurance on the side. And for twenty years he’s been the voice of the yellow M&M in those TV commercials. In real life, he’s a hard-working actor with years of experience and lots of great stories. You’ll share Leonard’s interest in this engaging professional who loves what he does.2017-04-141h 01
Maltin on MoviesKevin FeigeKevin Feige rules the Marvel Cinematic Universe—but the President of Marvel Studios wears his crown lightly. A real movie lover and comic fan, he can hold his own with the fanboys while simultaneously juggling multimillion dollar productions. He attended USC because that’s where his cinematic heroes went to school and remains loyal to his alma mater, visiting Leonard’s class on a regular basis. Jessie and Leonard don’t have to prod him to talk about any of these things--it's his passion. That's what makes him perfect for the job.2017-03-3156 min
Maltin on MoviesDrew FriedmanMeet Drew Friedman: cartoonist, caricaturist, illustrator and pop culture connoisseur. Jessie tries to referee as Drew and Leonard trade stories about oddball movies and actors they admire (from the cast of Ed Wood movies to George Jessel) in this lively conversation. If you’re already a Friedman fan you may want to contribute to a Kickstarter campaign to fund a documentary about him at www.vermeeroftheborschtbelt.com2016-12-0959 min
Maltin on MoviesViggo MortensenHe’ll always be Aragorn to some loyalists, but Viggo Mortensen is a versatile actor who won well-deserved praise for this year’s sleeper Captain Fantastic. He’s also an artist, musician, publisher and moviegoer, as Jessie and Leonard learn in a wide-ranging and amusing conversation.2016-12-021h 04
Maltin on MoviesBryan CranstonBryan Cranston stops by for an engaging and enlightening conversation about his latest movies, the unexpected momentum of his career in recent years, and his modus operandi for keeping his feet on the ground. Leonard found him funny, thoughtful, and candid—and so will you. 2016-10-1457 min
Maltin on MoviesPhil ProctorAs cofounder of Firesign Theater, Phil Proctor influenced several generations of comedy fans. (One of them was Steve Jobs.) Younger people may know him better as the voice of Howard Seville on The Rugrats. He’s still going strong, providing voices for video games, animated movies like Toy Story and Monsters Inc., and costarring in the YouTube comedy series, “Boomers on a Bench.” There’s nothing Phil hasn’t done in show business; he and the Firesign gang even wrote the first psychedelic rock Western, Zachariah, back in 1971. There’s no shortage of great stories when Phil starts talking to Leonard.2016-08-1257 min
Maltin on MoviesCharles PhoenixOur guest is Charles Phoenix, the Ambassador of Americana: part stand-up comic, part pop culture curator, and full-time purveyor of fun. His lectures, videos, and weekly e-mail blasts celebrate the joys of life in the 50s and 60s, including moviegoing (with drive-ins a specialty). Jessie and I are great fans and had a great time talking to this effervescent fellow. Check out his site at http://www.charlesphoenix.com/ 2016-08-0550 min
Maltin on MoviesKevin PollakThe one and only Kevin Pollak is a wonderful character actor who has recently experienced what it's like behind the camera as a director. Kevin joins Leonard to talk about all the lessons he learned directing his first indie comedy The Late Bloomer. He also tells us why his roles in Deterrence, The Usual Suspects, and Avalon are important to him. Plus, Christopher Walken makes an appearance.2016-06-291h 02
Maltin on MoviesBritish Films with Danielle HopeLeonard and his daughter Jessie are joined by British actress and singer Danielle Hope to talk about their favorite British actors (including Dani’s mentor, Michael Crawford) and films over the years, including the current release Genius with Colin Firth and Jude Law, the 2014 family comedy Paddington, and the works of the brilliant Mike Leigh. This episode is sponsored by Blue Apron.2016-06-221h 02
Maltin on Movies82 Kate MicucciThe talented Kate Micucci (of the comedy duo Garfunkel and Oates) joins Leonard to talk about her costarring role in the new Mike Birbiglia film Don't Think Twice, which comes to theaters in July. They also discuss people who have inspired Kate in her acting career (including Cloris Leachman and Anjelica Huston), and some of her favorite films, including Searching for Bobby Fischer and While You Were Sleeping.2016-06-1555 min
Maltin on Movies81 Alec BaldwinAlec Baldwin joins Leonard from New York City through the magic of the internet to chat about the joy of doing his podcast "Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin," his memories of working in Tim Burton's modern classic Beetlejuice, and the tradition of staying up late watching classic films on television with his father when he was young. Plus, Alec recommends some of his favorite unsung movies.2016-06-0858 min
Maltin on Movies80 Horror Comedy with Dana GouldTraveling troubadour of comedy Dana Gould returns to join Leonard to talk about practical effects vs. special effects, Don Knotts in hysterical comedy-horror film The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, and the 1943 horror film I Walked with a Zombie from producer Val Lewton. Plus, Dana tells us about his new comedy-horror series Stan Against Evil based on his father.2016-06-011h 04
Maltin on Movies78 Films From the 80's with Samm LevineActor, comedian, and fellow movie lover Samm Levine is back to join Leonard for a discussion of films of the 1980s: the box-office hits, enduring favorites, and titles we’ve all forgotten. They also discuss remakes, what it means for a movie to be considered a classic, and the pre-computer & post-cellphone eras in film.2016-05-1858 min
Maltin on Movies76 Joe DanteFilmmaker and film lover Joe Dante (Gremlins, Matinee) joins Leonard to talk about writing for the horror/science fiction film magazine Castle of Frankenstein, going from creating trailers to making a feature film of his own, and his classic and cult movies based web series Trailers From Hell. Plus, Joe recommends some unsung favorite films such as John Farrow’s 1948 film noir The Big Clock.2016-05-041h 00
Maltin on Movies75 Paul ScheerThe multi-talented Paul Scheer of How Did This Get Made? joins Leonard to talk about his podcast unearthing gems like the Village People's Can't Stop the Music, wearing out the VHS tapes of movies he recorded as a kid, and the ground rules for doing a remake. Plus, Paul recommends some of his favorite films from the golden age of Hollywood including the 1934 comedy-mystery The Thin Man.2016-04-2758 min
Maltin on Movies74 Gilbert GottfriedComedian and actor Gilbert Gottfried joins Leonard and Baron to talk about growing up in New York watching old movies on late-night TV, doing impressions of Humphrey Bogart as he started doing stand-up at the age of 15, and how his lifelong passion for old movies has informed his comedy. Plus, Gilbert recommends some unsung movies you should seek out, including 1968's The Swimmer starring Burt Lancaster.2016-04-2052 min
Maltin on Movies73 Cate Blanchett MoviesThis week, Leonard and Baron discuss the works of the extraordinary Cate Blanchett and focus on three films in which she disappears into her role: the great Notes On a Scandal, a movie that got a bum rap when it was released, and the Sam Raimi directed supernatural thriller The Gift.2016-04-1342 min
Maltin on Movies72 From Ed Wood to O.J.: Scott Alexander and Larry KaraszewskiScreenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski have a terrific skill writing movies about real people in their films Ed Wood, Man on the Moon, and Big Eyes—not to mention The People vs. O.J.. They join Leonard this week to discuss how they went from writing Problem Child to biopics, adding their own life experience into their writing, and why their Robert Ripley & Marx Brothers projects never got made. Plus, they recommend some underrated films that have influenced them.2016-04-0658 min
Maltin on Movies71 More True Stories with Jessie: LIVE from SXSWRecorded live at South by Southwest 2016, Leonard, Baron, and Jessie discuss three movies based on True Stories: the 2011 Richard Linklater comedy Bernie starring Jack Black, a semi-biographical sports drama that you should avoid, and Errol Morris' unpredictable 1997 documentary Fast, Cheap & Out of Control.2016-03-2948 min
Maltin on Movies70 Meet Midnight Special's Jeff NicholsFilmmaker Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter, Mud) joins Leonard to discuss his terrific new sci-fi chase film Midnight Special, which is best appreciated on a theater screen. Jeff explains why he continues to shoot on film, how he began his collaboration with Michael Shannon, directing child actor Jaeden Lieberher, and making the moviegoing experience special. He also reveals which movies have influenced him as a fan and a filmmaker.2016-03-2256 min
Maltin on Movies69 Live at SXSW with Mike Birbiglia and Ira GlassRecorded live at South by Southwest 2016, comedian, storyteller, filmmaker Mike Birbiglia and storyteller Ira Glass join Leonard, Baron, and Jessie to discuss Mike's new film which is produced by Ira, Don't Think Twice. It tells the story of the friendship between members of a New York improv group that is put to the test when their lease is up and one of them lands a TV show. Plus, Mike and Ira recommend a couple of films that you should revisit.2016-03-1651 min
Maltin on Movies68 Meet Indie Film Hero John SaylesFilmmaker John Sayles joins Leonard and Baron to talk about how he came to make his first feature, Return of the Secaucus 7, as well as The Brother from Another Planet, Eight Men Out, Matewan, and other indie milestones. He also discusses directing music videos with Bruce Springsteen, his process working with actors, and two of his favorite sleepers.2016-03-0952 min
Maltin on Movies67 Sports MoviesLeonard and Baron return this week to talk about three Sports movies: the delightful 1992 film A League of Their Own, a star-studded turkey that you can skip, and a 40-year-old Motown sleeper called The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings.2016-03-0240 min
Maltin on Movies66 Foreign Films with JessieThis week Leonard and his daughter Jessie shine on a light on some unsung foreign films worth seeing. They recommend three spectacular sleepers: Mariana Chenillo's Mexican drama Nora's Will, Susanne Bier's Danish film Brothers, and Nimród Antal's Hungarian comedy–thriller Kontroll.2016-02-2437 min
Maltin on Movies65 Meet Lenny Abrahamson, director of ROOMLenny Abrahamson, director of the critically acclaimed Room, which earned Brie Larson an Oscar nomination, joins Leonard, Baron, and Jessie to talk about the letter he wrote to persuade novelist Emma Donoghue to adapt it for the screen, his love of Laurel & Hardy, and one of his favorite sleepers, Margaret (2011) with Anna Paquin, Matt Damon, and Mark Ruffalo.2016-02-1648 min
Maltin on Movies63 2016 Oscar NomineesInspired by the 2016 Oscar Nominees, Leonard and Baron discuss the movies of two actors and one filmmaker: Brie Larson in the tremendous Short Term 12, a turkey from Sylvester Stallone, and a sleeper by the name of Win Win from Spotlight director Tom McCarthy.2016-02-0347 min
Maltin on Movies62 Grae Drake, Senior Editor of Rotten TomatoesLeonard is joined by his ReelzChannel partner, the irrepressible Grae Drake, Senior Editor of Rotten Tomatoes. Grae recalls some of her unique press junket experiences, which include getting her own Bond Girl name from Dame Judi Dench and leaving Dustin Hoffman speechless. They also discuss two favorite films of 2015 that aren’t part of the Oscar conversation: 99 Homes and Me and Earl and the Dying Girl.2016-01-271h 01
Maltin on Movies60 Tales of ShowbizNew Year greetings from Leonard and Baron! On the first new episode of the year, they discuss three movies inspired by Tales of Showbiz: the wildly ambitious Tim Robbins film Cradle Will Rock, David Mamet's most lighthearted work State and Main, and a turkey that is regarded as one of the worst movies ever made.2016-01-1348 min
Maltin on Movies59 Dana Gould, comedian and Simpsons writerDana Gould, comedian/Simpsons writer/die-hard movie buff joins Leonard and Baron to talk about what lead to his love of horror films, the incredibly wide range of references on The Simpsons that you would either get or not get, and one of his favorite sleepers, Carnival of Souls (1962) directed by Herk Harvey.2015-12-3053 min
Maltin on Movies57 True-Life StoriesThis week Leonard and Baron discuss three movies based on True-Life Stories: the 2013 drama Tracks starring Mia Wasikowska (an adaptation of Robyn Davidson's memoir of the same name), a musical biopic told in an unconventional way, and Bobcat Goldthwait's documentary Call Me Lucky which chronicles the life and work of comedian/activist Barry Crimmins which you should definitely seek out.2015-12-1643 min
Maltin on Movies56 Special guest Scott Cooper (“Black Mass”)Scott Cooper, the writer-director of Crazy Heart, which earned Jeff Bridges an Oscar, and this year’s Black Mass with Johnny Depp joins Leonard to talk about his lifelong love of movies, how he makes actors feel at ease, and one of his favorite sleepers, Funny Bones (1995) with Oliver Platt and Jerry Lewis.2015-12-0954 min
Maltin on Movies55 New York MoviesLeonard and Baron are back this week to discuss three movies set in New York: the delightful 2009 release City Island, a major league movie that they think is not so hot, and 1994's Fresh, a genuine sleeper.2015-12-0248 min
Maltin on Movies54 The Greg Proops Film ClubThe Smartest Man in the World, Greg Proops joins Leonard this week to discuss his wide-ranging interest in movies, which he screens in front of a live audience at Cinefamily in Los Angeles. They'll also talk about one of Greg's personal favorites, Don Siegel's 1973 crime thriller Charley Varrick, starring Walter Matthau.2015-11-2548 min
Maltin on Movies53 Broadcast News (w/ Samm Levine)You know him and you love him from Freaks and Greeks, Inglourious Basterds, and his notoriously celebrated appearances on Doug Loves Movies, Samm Levine joins Leonard this week to discuss his lifelong love of movies and one of his particular favorites, James L. Brooks' Broadcast News.2015-11-1855 min
Maltin on Movies52 Storytime with John LandisThe man who directed National Lampoon’s Animal House, The Blues Brothers, and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is also one of Hollywood’s most avid and knowledgeable film buffs. John Landis joins Leonard and Baron this week to talk about a wide variety of subjects, from Don Rickles to Fred Astaire. He also reveals one of his favorite unsung horror movies of the 1930s.2015-11-1150 min
Maltin on Movies51 Animated Cartoons (w/ Jerry Beck)Jerry Beck of CartoonResearch.com is one of the world's leading experts on Animated Cartoons. This week Jerry joins Leonard to talk about growing up with cartoons, recent animated shorts from Disney and Pixar, and three must-see animated features: Disney's Teacher's Pet, Surf's Up, and Nina Paley's Sita Sings the Blues.2015-11-0449 min
Maltin on Movies50 Halloween FilmsThat frightening time of year is upon us and this week Leonard and Baron work up the courage to discuss three terrific films perfect for the Halloween season: a modern classic 28 Days Later, Guillermo del Toro's masterful Pan's Labyrinth, and Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, a clever film that mixes humor with horror.2015-10-2849 min
Maltin on Movies49 Philip Seymour Hoffman FilmsThis week, Leonard and Baron discuss the remarkable Philip Seymour Hoffman and focus on three films from his unbelievable career: the exceptionally great film Charlie Wilson's War, a definite dud in which he's actually very good in, and a sleeper worth checking out called A Late Quartet.2015-10-2142 min
Maltin on Movies47 Baseball Movies (w/ Fred Willard)If you haven't seen Fred Willard's face you have been living under a rock for the past 35 years. Fred joins Leonard and Baron this week to talk about his career from his time performing at Second City in Chicago to his work in many hilarious Christopher Guest films. Fred also discusses his love of baseball movies which include The Pride of the Yankees, Field of Dreams, and Clint Eastwood's Trouble with the Curve.2015-10-071h 02
Maltin on Movies45 LA Movies: LIVE from LA Podfest 2015Recorded from the 2015 Los Angeles Podfest, Leonard and Baron discuss LA Movies: the 2006 true-crime period film Hollywoodland, a true-crime turkey also released that very same year, and a brilliant sleeper by the name of King of California. Plus, they take questions from the live audience!2015-09-2356 min
Maltin on Movies44 Broadway Danny Rose (w/ Phil Rosenthal)Phil Rosenthal, creator of “Everybody Loves Raymond” and the new PBS series “I’ll Have What Phil’s Having” joins Leonard this week to discuss Woody Allen’s Broadway Danny Rose: a hilarious film that showcases the low end of New York show business.2015-09-161h 02
Maltin on Movies43 More Funny LadiesFinally, a sequel as good as the first! This week Leonard & Baron discuss the many great performances by Catherine O'Hara, Madeline Kahn, and Melissa McCarthy, as well as Baron's new theme song!2015-09-0940 min
Maltin on Movies42 Back to SchoolSchool is back in session and this week Leonard and Baron discuss three films that deal with school life: the terrific social satire Election, a movie with a likable cast that is unapologetically bad, and the breath of fresh air that is 2004’s Saved!2015-09-0150 min
Maltin on Movies40 From Small Screen To Silver ScreenTransferring hit TV shows to the big screen isn’t a new idea. This week Leonard and Baron discuss three films that have received this treatment: 1991’s dark and twisted The Addams Family, two unfortunate turkeys, and the underrated (and star-studded) SNL film Coneheads.2015-08-1953 min
Maltin on Movies39 Stranger Than FictionThis week Leonard and Baron discuss three documentaries that are well worth your time and will make you cry: Jesse Moss’ The Overnighters, Crips and Bloods: Made in America, and an inspiring film about two remarkable people separated in age by more than 60 years.2015-08-1255 min
Maltin on Movies38 Funny LadiesBaron and Leonard are reunited once again! Inspired by leading ladies Amy Schumer & Melissa McCarthy, they discuss three films that feature funny ladies: Whoopi Goldberg in the crowd pleaser Sister Act, Lily Tomlin in The Late Show, a sleeper from 1977, and a stinker from one of everyone’s favorite female comics. (p.s. it wasn’t her fault).2015-08-0347 min
Maltin on Movies33 Behind the ScenesThis week Leonard and Baron welcome Leonard’s wife Alice to sit in with them as they discuss three excellent documentaries that take you behind the scenes of movies in different ways: Casting By, a celebration of the casting profession and casting pioneer Marion Dougherty, Lost in La Mancha which follows Terry Gilliam's doomed attempt to get his film, The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, off the ground, and It's All True: Based on an Unfinished Film by Orson Welles, the story of a notorious Orson Welles project about South America that was never completed.2015-06-2454 min
Maltin on Movies31 Cartoons for GrownupsThis week Leonard and Baron discuss three films that prove cartoons aren’t always intended for children: the first animated feature ever submitted by France as its official entry for the Oscars, 2007’s Persepolis, a stop-motion animated sleeper from Australia, and a stinker from one of the medium’s true innovators. (Hey, nobody’s perfect…)2015-06-1039 min
Maltin on Movies23 Buddy MoviesThis week Leonard and Baron discuss three films that fall under the umbrella of buddy movies: Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin in the classic Midnight Run, a prequel of a buddy movie that shouldn’t have been made, and Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor in I Love You Phillip Morris, a movie you might have missed. Plus, Leonard shares a story about how he managed to land an interview with De Niro when Midnight Run was about to be released.2015-04-151h 04
Maltin on Movies1 BiopicsWelcome to the first episode of Maltin On Movies with Baron Vaughn. This week Leonard and Baron will focus their conversation on one biopic that’s really good, one that isn’t, and one sleeper that you need to see. Plus, they figure out who they would cast in their respective Biopics.2014-11-0349 min