Shows
Reel Fanatics#448 : MR. DEATH: THE RISE AND FALL OF FRED A. LEUCHTER, JR.For a new retro review, Michael selects one of his favorite docs, Mr. Death: The Rise and Fall of Fred A. Leuchter, Jr. by Errol Morris. Joe recommends a recent Criterion Collection release, Michael revisits a Tom Cruise hit, and Jared explores the oeuvre of an overlooked Italian documentarian.2025-04-241h 03Reel Fanatics#440 : THE BRUTALISTMichael, Jared, and Joe discuss Brady Corbet's The Brutalist, the buzziest film of the season. Michael champions a Sundance hit, Jared discovers an overlooked foreign film, and Joe recommends a visionary Oscar contender.2025-01-311h 08Reel Fanatics#438 : NOSFERATUIndie auteur Robert Eggers delivers a new version of the horror classic, Nosferatu! After seeing the film together—a rarity for the RF crew—Michael, Jared, and Joe share their reactions and compare it to other adaptations. Plus, Michael revisits a 2007 masterpiece, Jared recommends an animated family film, and Joe discusses the American giallo of Brian De Palma.2025-01-1458 minReel Fanatics#436 : CALIGULA: THE ULTIMATE CUTThe recent release of a new cut of Caligula led Michael to suggest the guys take a look at this infamous film, which results in a lively discussion. Also, Joe soft-recommends a TV miniseries, Jared champions a new indie Christmas movie, and Michael breaks the rules of the recs section.2024-12-021h 00Reel Fanatics#434 : MADE IN ENGLANDThe new documentary Made in England, featuring Martin Scorsese, prompts Michael, Jared, and Joe to discuss the films of directors Michael Powell & Emeric Pressburger, including The Red Shoes, Black Narcissus, and particularly The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp.2024-11-131h 02Reel Fanatics#420 : DUNE: PART TWODoes the second half of Denis Villeneuve's Dune adaptation fulfill the promise of the first? Jared, Michael, and Joe discuss. The guys also share their reactions to the 96th Oscars telecast. Joe recommends a new neo-noir, Jared discovers a '70s sci-fi curio, and Michael struggles with the work of Robert Bresson.2024-03-281h 11Reel Fanatics#410 : PRISCILLA / THE KILLERTwo masters return with films that seem ideally suited to their styles. How do they fare? Jared and Joe discuss Sofia Coppola's Priscilla, then Michael joins in to analyze David Fincher's The Killer.2023-11-271h 05Reel Fanatics#409 : KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOONMartin Scorsese's long-awaited epic crime drama, Killers of the Flower Moon, has finally arrived! The guys discuss the film in depth. Michael revisits some older Scorsese pictures, while Joe and Jared recommend new movies on VOD.2023-11-061h 24Reel Fanatics#408 : Eras Tour Movie + MVFFMichael and Joe share their reactions to the new concert film, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, and Jared reports on the 2023 Mill Valley Film Festival. Joe and Jared discuss Wes Anderson's Roald Dahl Netflix shorts.2023-10-261h 19Reel Fanatics#407 : Favorite Hitman MoviesIn anticipation of David Fincher's The Killer, the guys list their ten favorite films about professional killers. Joe and Jared also recommend some recent releases, while Michael eliminates some 1970s blind spots.2023-10-101h 58Reel Fanatics#405 : Sports Movie DraftIt's the time of year for fantasy football drafts, and with that in mind, the guys undertake a sports movie draft! For the most part, Michael, Jared, and Joe all get the films they want. But who ends up with the best roster? Listeners decide! Vote for the draft winner through our Twitter post!2023-08-311h 18Reel Fanatics#404 : BARBENHEIMERA giant episode to cover the moviegoing event of the summer: Barbenheimer! The guys debate the structure of Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer and praise the humor of Greta Gerwig's Barbie. Joe recommends a classic sci-fi novel. Jared champions two French language films released earlier this year. Michael addresses the death of William Friedkin.2023-08-181h 56Reel Fanatics#403 : INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINYMichael and Jared discuss the new Indiana Jones film, and Joe calls in to share his thoughts. The guys open the episode by discussing the ongoing WGA/SAG-AFTRA strikes, the state of the industry, and where it's headed. Michael finishes watching Succession. Jared celebrates the Criterion release of a 1980s cult classic.2023-07-261h 17Reel Fanatics#402 : ASTEROID CITYOnce again, the guys do not see eye to eye on a Wes Anderson picture, and Michael articulates his resistance to the auteur's new movie, Asteroid City. Jared reviews a video game. Joe reads a Pulitzer-winning novel. Michael names his favorite film of the year so far.2023-07-071h 05Reel Fanatics#401 : SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSEThe eagerly anticipated Spider-Verse sequel is the topic of this episode, but there isn't unanimous praise for the film among the hosts. Michael explores the work of S. Craig Zahler. Jared champions a Sundance hit. Joe goes literary.2023-06-161h 04Reel Fanatics#399 : BEAU IS AFRAIDGuest Natalie Pohorski joins the guys again to analyze Ari Aster's dark comedy, Beau Is Afraid. Michael revisits two '90s indie classics, while Jared champions two new indie films. Natalie recommends an under-appreciated sports movie, while Joe slams an over-appreciated one.2023-05-121h 12Reel Fanatics#398 : Making BEYOND HUMAN NATUREIn this special episode, Michael, Jared, and guest Natalie Pohorski discuss the history and process of making their documentary feature, Beyond Human Nature, which is now available on VOD platforms! Buy or rent it here: https://geni.us/BeyondHumanNature2023-05-021h 03Reel Fanatics#397 : JOHN WICK 4 + Top 5 Action MoviesA supersized episode to celebrate a supersized action film! In the first half of the show, Michael, Jared, and Joe review John Wick: Chapter 4 and discuss how it measures up to the other entries in the franchise. In the second half, the guys share their top five action movies in honor of Joe's father.2023-04-261h 51Reel FanaticsBEYOND HUMAN NATURE Coming Soon!Beyond Human Nature, the true crime documentary that Michael, Joe, and Jared have been working on since 2014, finally has a release date!2023-04-0606 min
Reel FanaticsBEYOND HUMAN NATURE Coming Soon!Beyond Human Nature, the true crime documentary that Michael, Joe, and Jared have been working on since 2014, finally has a release date!2023-04-0406 minReel Fanatics#396 : 2023 Most Anticipated FilmsThe guys list upcoming titles that could make 2023 a strong movie year. Jared recommends two restored re-releases. Joe reads Tarantino's new book. Michael catches up on some 2022 films.2023-03-091h 11Reel Fanatics#395 : Best Films of 2022The guys share their top tens for a year of many good films but few great ones. Jared champions two obscure Mubi releases. Joe vows to further explore Indian cinema. Michael discovers a new personal political hero.2023-02-222h 10Reel Fanatics#394 : Oscar Noms ReactionsThe nominations for the 95th Academy Awards have been announced, and the guys have opinions! Running through all the nominees also gives Michael, Jared, and Joe the chance to discuss some films not reviewed on the pod, including RRR, Women Talking, All Quiet on the Western Front, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, and Living.2023-02-101h 47Reel Fanatics#393 : AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATERThe long-awaited sequel to Avatar has finally arrived! Michael, Jared, and Joe discuss their return to Pandora. Joe revisits an older water-centric James Cameron movie. Jared regrets not seeing a certain Italian film before publishing his year-end list.2023-02-041h 10Reel Fanatics#392 : GLASS ONIONMichael, Jared, and Joe investigate Rian Johnson's new murder mystery. Jared recommends a related whodunnit. Joe shows off his James Mason impression. Michael talks about transforming from a craft beer guy into a wine connoisseur. 2023-01-201h 16Reel Fanatics#391 : BONES AND ALL / PINOCCHIOA double-review episode! Michael moderates the debate between Jared and Joe over two recent movies: Luca Guadagnino's Bones and All and Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio. Joe and Jared each recommend a favorite foreign film of 2022.2022-12-291h 10Reel Fanatics#390 : THE FABELMANSThe guys discuss Steven Spielberg's memoir movie, The Fabelmans. Jared and Joe recommend some of the year's best docs, while Michael talks about the challenges of making his own independent documentary feature, Beyond Human Nature.2022-12-221h 14Reel Fanatics#389 : THE BANSHEES OF INISHERINMartin McDonagh's The Banshees of Inisherin, a tragicomedy of feuding friends, is the topic of this episode. Jared, Michael, and Joe briefly get into their own feud over Kevin Smith. Jared reflects on the series run of Atlanta. Joe champions the latest adaptation of All Quiet on the Western Front. Michael digs into Russian literature.2022-11-301h 12Reel Fanatics#387 : TÁRThe guys are eager to discuss the return of director Todd Field with his acclaimed character study, Tár. But first, Michael opines on the state of the fall movie season and the upcoming Oscar race. Joe explores an old horror franchise. Jared recommends a Herzog parody.2022-11-091h 26Reel Fanatics#386 : ELVISBaz Luhrmann returns with an Elvis biopic, and the guys don't agree on the results. Joe recommends a new Netflix series. Jared dives into the work of Atom Egoyan. Michael anticipates the latest Robert McKee book.2022-10-2459 minReel Fanatics#385 : BLONDEThe guys examine Andrew Dominik's controversial Marilyn Monroe picture. Jared recommends two new streaming films. Joe discusses Ti West's two films from this year. Michael returns to the work of Woody Allen.2022-10-071h 06Reel Fanatics#384 : THREE THOUSAND YEARS OF LONGINGBefore his next Mad Max film, George Miller delivers an oddball fantasy romance, and the guys discuss it. Michael, Jared, and Joe reflect on the innovation and influence of the recently departed Jean-Luc Godard. Joe and Jared recommend a new horror film while Michael catches up with an acclaimed TV series from a decade ago.2022-10-011h 08Reel Fanatics#382 : 10-Year Anniversary DraftIt's the 10-year anniversary of the podcast! Michael, Jared, and Joe reflect on the past decade of cinema and friendship. Then they celebrate by conducting a film draft from the movies they have reviewed on the pod over the years. Buckle up, it's a long, winding ride!2022-08-222h 36Reel Fanatics#381 : NOPEJordan Peele’s latest film is a sci-fi spectacle that the guys are eager to dissect, but they disagree on its plot logistics. Joe recommends an Irish miniseries with two breakout stars. Jared raves about a metatextual miniseries that addresses a filmmaking consideration Michael identifies. All three cohosts are apprehensive about a Heat sequel.2022-08-071h 26Reel Fanatics#380 : BEAVIS AND BUTT-HEAD DO THE UNIVERSEBeavis & Butt-Head return to the cinema, so the guys discuss the movie, the MTV series, and the comic inspirations for Mike Judge’s creation. Michael and Joe bemoan the summer movie season. Jared recommends an early Verhoeven picture.2022-07-211h 15Reel Fanatics#379 : CRIMES of CronenbergThe body horror master makes his comeback with Crimes of the Future, and Jared and Joe disagree slightly on its merits. Michael joins in to evaluate the 2022 movie year so far. The guys finish the episode by sharing their top five Cronenberg films.2022-07-021h 24Reel Fanatics#378 : TOP GUN: MAVERICKThe guys excitedly discuss the revival of Tom Cruise's iconic '80s blockbuster with Top Gun: Maverick. Michael falls in love with Breaking Bad all over again. Jared and Joe talk Under the Banner of Heaven and Atlanta. Michael, Jared, and Joe all reminisce about Madison’s defunct arthouse cinemas.2022-06-181h 13Reel Fanatics#376 : THE NORTHMANIdiosyncratic auteur Robert Eggers ventures to the land of the Vikings for his action epic, and the guys explore that world. Joe revisits The Nice Guys. Jared seconds Joe’s recent rec of Severance. Michael catches up with Better Call Saul.2022-05-291h 20Reel Fanatics#375 : EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCEThe maximalist indie Everything Everywhere All at Once sparks debate about its meaning for Michael and Joe, but all three hosts agree on the latest Pixar film, Turning Red. Jared recommends two action spectacles. Joe and Michael champion recent TV series.2022-05-011h 22Reel Fanatics#374 : THE BATMANThe Batman franchise gets another reboot, and Jared and Joe disagree on the results. Before that discussion, the guys reflect on the 94th Oscars, and Michael considers the future of awards and filmmaking. 2022-04-191h 22Reel Fanatics#373 : 2007 Film Draft2007 is considered a great year for cinema. We put that notion to the test by selecting it for our next film draft! Michael picks a two-for-one double feature. Jared desperately searches for a respectable option in a tough category. Joe tries to acquire Michael's top movie. But who winds up with the best roster of films? Listeners decide! Vote for the draft winner through our Twitter post or comment on our site!2022-04-011h 48Reel Fanatics#372 : Best Films of 2021The guys reflect on the year in cinema and share their top tens. Joe shocks with the inclusion of a certain superhero film. Michael drops a surprise on the guys at #2. Jared gets annoyed with Joe and Michael bending his film list-making rules.2022-03-122h 15Reel Fanatics#371 : THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLDIs The Worst Person in the World the best depiction of the millennial experience? Jared leads the discussion of Joachim Trier's latest picture in this episode. Michael recommends two other acclaimed international films. Joe reopens a debate on Licorice Pizza.2022-02-161h 20Reel Fanatics#367 : WEST SIDE STORYSteven Spielberg remakes a classic musical, and the guys dig into it! Jared recommends two new arthouse films. Michael praises Peter Jackson’s Beatles doc. Joe is inspired to watch a certain David Cronenberg film after an unusual experience.2021-12-281h 13Reel Fanatics#363 : THE CARD COUNTERThe guys discuss the new Paul Schrader film, The Card Counter. Jared and Joe each recommend new television series. Michael expresses his excitement about the latest projects from Paul Thomas Anderson and Dave Chappelle.2021-11-131h 14Reel Fanatics#362 : ANNETTEFrench auteur Leos Carax finally returns with a musical feature, Annette, and the guys dig into this unique film. Joe discusses M. Night Shyalaman’s Old. Michael revisits two mid-2000s comedies.2021-10-181h 22Reel Fanatics#361 : THE GREEN KNIGHTThe guys review the long-awaited The Green Knight. Joe recommends two TV miniseries. Michael explores the work of an old master. Jared reveals he has a new favorite Cronenberg film.2021-09-211h 11Reel Fanatics#359 : PIGThe critically acclaimed Nicolas Cage film, Pig, is the topic of the day. Michael digs into the work of Jean-Luc Godard. Joe reports on a new horror trilogy. Jared revisits two early ’90s films.2021-08-171h 13Reel Fanatics#358 : LUCA and PotpourriIn this episode, Jared and Joe review Pixar's Luca and question the Disney Plus release model. Michael analyzes Tarantino's new novelization of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The guys wrap up the show with a game of Cinephile.2021-08-041h 19Reel Fanatics#357 : NO SUDDEN MOVEMichael, Jared, and Joe reunite in person for the first time in over a year to watch and review Steven Soderbergh's No Sudden Move. Jared and Michael revisit two '90s thrillers from young auteurs. Joe returns to the Indiana Jones franchise. The guys briefly consider all-time best directorial debuts. They wrap up the episode by playing a cinephile memory game.2021-07-211h 23Reel Fanatics#356 : IN THE HEIGHTSThe guys review the film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda's Broadway hit, In the Heights. Joe and Jared dive into the work of indie auteur John Sayles. Michael returns to a comedy classic and finds it as relevant as ever.2021-07-011h 09
Reel Fanatics#350 : 1999 Film DraftAfter the success of their 2012 Film Draft episode, the guys wanted to do another draft. This time it’s 1999, a formative movie year for the three hosts. Things start off rowdy when Jared invalidates two successive picks by Joe, and Michael bemoans his selection strategy. But who winds up with the best squad of […]2021-03-231h 47Reel Fanatics#349 : Top 10 Films and Other Media of 2020Michael, Jared, and Joe reflect on the unusual year in cinema (and the world) and share their Top 10 lists. This time they’ve decided to make non-film media (television, music, books, podcasts, etc.) eligible for inclusion!2021-02-252h 06Reel Fanatics#348 : LOVERS ROCKBritish filmmaker Steve McQueen had a major 2020. Jared, Michael, and Joe finally review his film Lovers Rock and discuss the Small Axe miniseries more broadly.2021-02-141h 11Reel Fanatics#347 : SOULThe guys review Pixar’s latest, Soul, and discuss other cinematic representations of the after life. Jared and Joe champion two new streaming releases. Michael finally starts watching The Sopranos. Jared, Michael, and Joe briefly reflect on the Capitol Riot and Insurrection.2021-01-291h 11Reel Fanatics#341 : THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7The guys review Aaron Sorkin’s latest, The Trial of the Chicago 7. Jared highlights a pair of family dramas. Joe digs into a backlog of recommendations. Michael enjoys the return of a science series. Jared and Joe identify some of their least favorite Oscar-nominated performances and share a few Oscar predictions.2020-12-081h 25Reel Fanatics#340 : 2012 Film DraftIn celebration of eight years recording the Reel Fanatics podcast, the guys do something a little different: a movie draft! Michael, Jared, and Joe each select a 10-category roster of films released in the year 2012. It’s an episode full of selection reactions, category challenges, random anecdotes, and movie reflections. But who picks the best […]2020-11-291h 59Reel Fanatics#338 : EDUCATING RITAThe mostly forgotten 1983 movie Educating Rita is Michael’s latest retro pick. Jared recommends two new films that just hit streaming services. Joe digs into the sequel entries of an enduring horror franchise. Michael revisits an acclaimed television series. The guys also discuss their favorite Michael Caine roles.2020-11-011h 29Reel Fanatics#337 : MODERN ROMANCEJared’s latest retro pick, Albert Brooks’ Modern Romance, is the topic of the episode. Joe retracts a previous HBO series recommendation. Jared champions new releases from Sofia Coppola and Kirsten Johnson. Michael recommends a special episode of a favorite animated comedy show.2020-10-161h 13Reel Fanatics#336 : I’M THINKING OF ENDING THINGSAnother Charlie Kaufman film, another Reel Fanatics review! Kaufman’s adaptation of I’m Thinking of Ending Things is the topic of the episode. Jared recommends a new Criterion release, Joe endorses an Amazon Prime series, and Michael discusses a Netflix documentary.2020-10-071h 31Reel Fanatics#335 : ADAPTATIONJoe’s latest retro pick is the second Charlie Kaufman / Spike Jonze collaboration, Adaptation. Michael reflects on a lost summer movie season. Joe talks Alan J. Pakula cinema, prompting a discussion of All the President’s Men. Jared revisits and falls in love with a 1987 romantic comedy.2020-09-251h 18Reel Fanatics#334 : ONE FROM THE HEARTMichael names Francis Ford Coppola’s flawed yet fascinating One from the Heart as his latest retro pick. Joe revisits another ’80s Coppola film, Jared discusses a timely HBO series, and Michael recommends a Netflix comedy special.2020-09-131h 27Reel Fanatics#333 : LOST IN TRANSLATIONJared’s latest retro pick is Lost in Translation, so the guys dig into Sofia Coppola’s masterwork. Joe champions a new HBO series, Jared recommends two underrated 1970s films, and Michael continues to binge a recent comedy series.2020-09-041h 25Reel Fanatics#332 : THE DAMNED UNITEDFor his fourth retro pick, Michael selects Tom Hooper’s The Damned United for review. Jared champions a recent series on another film podcast. Joe recommends catching up with Mr. Robot. Michael discusses the pleasure of watching Queer Eye in 2020.2020-08-281h 27Reel Fanatics#330 : COME AND SEEThe guys review Elem Klimov’s Come and See to celebrate its restoration and Criterion release. Jared and Michael recommend old comedy shows, while Joe talks ideal home viewing setups.2020-08-121h 13Reel Fanatics#329 : Favorite Non-Film MediaIn this listener-suggested episode, Jared, Michael, and Joe share their top five favorite television shows, books, video games, and albums. No movies!2020-08-011h 16Reel Fanatics#328 : FIRST COWKelly Reichardt’s First Cow was finally released on VOD, so the guys review that revisionist western. Jared raves about a Chilean stop-motion film. Joe recommends an HBO true crime miniseries. Michael discusses some documentary work related to the Charlie Hebdo shooting.2020-07-241h 20Reel Fanatics#326 : THE KING OF STATEN ISLANDJudd Apatow’s latest manchild-centered film, The King of Staten Island, is the topic of this episode. Jared and Michael express their enthusiasm for 25th Hour. Joe reveals he isn’t a Steve Coogan fan. The guys briefly address the changes announced for the upcoming Oscars.2020-07-121h 17Reel Fanatics#323 : THE LAST DANCEThe guys are joined by returning guest Josh Panos to discuss the ESPN docuseries The Last Dance. Joe catches up on early Celine Sciamma movies, Michael returns to Frasier, Jared recommends a new indie, and Josh champions a historical drama miniseries.2020-06-181h 33Reel Fanatics#322 : IN THE MOOD FOR LOVEWong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love is Jared’s latest retro review pick. But Michael and Joe find the film harder to love. Jared champions a western miniseries. Joe recommends a 1970s gem.2020-06-061h 22Reel Fanatics#321 : NOSFERATU: PHANTOM DER NACHTWe open the third round of retro reviews with Werner Herzog’s Nosferatu: Phantom der Nacht, a film that has been immensely influential for Michael. Jared recommends a different vampire movie. Joe and Michael briefly discuss ESPN’s The Last Dance.2020-06-011h 24Reel Fanatics#320 : BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINAThe guys review John Carpenter’s Big Trouble in Little China for Joe’s third retro pick. Joe and Michael discuss watching television programming during a pandemic. Jared finally loves a certain Coen brothers film.2020-05-211h 33Reel Fanatics#319 : NOTORIOUSJared’s second retro pick is Hitchcock’s Notorious, which the guys review and use as a jumping-off point to talk about the director’s oeuvre. Michael and Joe irritate Jared by denigrating Cary Grant and North by Northwest. Also, Joe and Jared discuss Alex Garland’s Devs.2020-05-101h 13Reel Fanatics#318 : COVID-19 and the State of EntertainmentA medley of topics in this episode. Jared and Joe disagree on a hit Netflix show then recommend two new films available in virtual cinemas. Michael joins in to contemplate what the entertainment landscape—and the nature of production—will look like for the rest of 2020 and beyond. Plus many smaller items toward the end of […]2020-04-301h 08Reel Fanatics#317 : BIG NIGHTMichael selects the 1996 indie film Big Night for his second retro pick. Jared recommends two underrated movies from master filmmakers. Joe raves about the cinematography in a recent Chinese neo-noir.2020-04-251h 24Reel Fanatics#316 : BACURAUThe coronavirus pandemic has changed the film industry, including distribution methods, so in this episode Jared, Joe, and Michael review Bacurau and then discuss the new virtual exhibition initiative led by Kino Lorber.2020-04-171h 19Reel Fanatics#314 : MCCABE & MRS. MILLERJared’s first pick for a retro review is Robert Altman’s McCabe & Mrs. Miller, which leads to discussions of Altman’s filmography and the conventions of the western. Joe conjures an unexpected comparison to MacGruber. Michael and Jared speculate about the film’s influence on Paul Thomas Anderson.2020-04-021h 13Reel Fanatics#313 : CONTAGIONIn the time of a devastating global pandemic, Steven Soderbergh’s Contagion has taken on new relevance. Michael, Joe, and Jared review that 2011 thriller in this episode.2020-03-271h 12Reel Fanatics#312 : CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORSThe guys discuss Crimes and Misdemeanors in this episode—the first in a new, intermittent series of retro reviews. Joe recommends a ’90s gangster cult classic, while Jared endorses a horror franchise reboot. Michael explains his love for Woody Allen’s 1989 film. Note: This conversation was recorded before COVID-19 took hold of the United States and […]2020-03-171h 24Reel Fanatics#310 : Best Films of the 2010s, Part 2The decade in review continues! Over two episodes, Michael, Jared, and Joe are revealing their top 20 films of the decade (2010-2019). Here in Part 2, the guys discuss their selections for numbers 10 through 1.2020-02-291h 28Reel Fanatics#309 : Best Films of the 2010s, Part 1It’s the big one! Over two episodes, Michael, Jared, and Joe reveal their top 20 films of the decade (2010-2019). Here in Part 1, the guys discuss their selections for numbers 20 through 11.2020-02-211h 38Reel Fanatics#308 : Top Ten Films of 2019Michael, Jared, and Joe reflect on 2019 cinema and unveil their annual Top 10 lists. There is disagreement on 1917. Jared identifies the film he expects to regret leaving off his top ten. Michael picks a documentary he watched just hours before recording. Joe declares a certain character the best stoner since Jeff Lebowski.2020-02-091h 29Reel Fanatics#307 : 8th Annual Oscar Bitchin’It’s that time of year again! Michael and Joe disagree wildly on the Best Original Score nominees. Joe campaigns against Marriage Story and Jojo Rabbit. Jared bemoans the snubs of Uncut Gems and The Farewell. The guys praise Lee Jung-eun’s performance in Parasite.2020-02-031h 31Reel Fanatics#306 : 1917The guys review Sam Mendes’s WWI film, 1917. Joe and Jared recommend some overlooked 2019 films. Michael reflects on the Golden Globe Awards.2020-01-261h 16Reel Fanatics#305 : STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKERThe Star Wars Skywalker saga comes to a close, and the Reel Fanatics hosts are here for it! Michael, Joe, and Jared share their New Year’s resolutions. Michael revisits the films of Sam Mendes. Jared and Joe recommend two recent releases and then disagree on The Mandalorian.2020-01-181h 27Reel Fanatics#304 : MARRIAGE STORYMichael, Joe, and Jared are joined by guest Josh Panos to discuss Noah Baumbach’s filmography and his new film, Marriage Story. The guys respond to listener feedback.2019-12-291h 52Reel Fanatics#303 : KNIVES OUTRian Johnson’s new whodunnit, Knives Out, is the topic of this episode. Michael raves about an animated series. Jared recommends an arthouse film. Joe takes a look at Danny McBride’s television work. Michael and Joe give Mr. Rogers a southern drawl.2019-12-191h 18Reel Fanatics#302 : Overlooked 2019 FilmsMichael, Joe, and Jared discuss several overlooked films released earlier this year. Joe digs into the work of a Polish master. Jared approves of a new HBO series. Michael revisits some documentaries. The guys discuss the upcoming Best Supporting Actor Oscar race.2019-12-041h 05Reel Fanatics#301 : THE IRISHMANMartin Scorsese is back with another gangster epic, and the RF fellas are here for it! Jared ranks Scorsese’s movies. Michael reflects on Casino. Joe goes to bat for Gangs of New York. The guys determine which filmmakers would receive their spare kidneys.2019-11-211h 16Reel Fanatics#300 : THE LIGHTHOUSEThe guys argue over Robert Eggers’ The Lighthouse in this episode. Michael details his preferred method of exploring a filmmaker’s oeuvre. Joe and Jared recommend their new favorite works of stage and literature, respectively.2019-11-091h 06Reel Fanatics#299 : PARASITEParasite, Bong Joon-ho’s Palme d’Or winner, is the subject of this episode. Jared and Joe offer some Halloween recommendations and share their enthusiasm for a television series. Michael reflects on his foray into the work of Jean-Pierre Melville.2019-10-301h 16Reel Fanatics#298 : JOKERThe Venice-winning Joker is the topic of this episode, and the guys do not agree on its merits. Joe and Michael debate Scorsese’s Casino. Jared recommends an Amazon Prime series.2019-10-191h 20
The Nature of Story#08: The Culture of Participation (w/ Dr. Henry Jenkins)In this episode of The Nature of Story podcast, Michael Neelsen speaks with Dr. Henry Jenkins, author of "Convergence Culture" and "By Any Media Necessary".
DR. HENRY JENKINS is the Provost Professor of Communication, Journalism, Cinematic Arts and Education at the University of Southern California. He arrived at USC in Fall 2009 after spending more than a decade as the Director of the MIT Comparative Media Studies Program and the Peter de Florez Professor of Humanities. He is the author and/or editor of seventeen books on various aspects of media and popular culture.
Jenkins is the principal investigator for The...2018-05-0900 minThe Nature of Story#07: This is Your Brain on Video (w/ Lucas C. Parra)In this episode of The Nature of Story podcast, Michael Neelsen speaks with Lucas C. Parra, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, City College of New York, CUNY.
LUCAS C. PARRA is Herbert Kayser Professor of Biomedical Engineering. He received his Ph.D. in physics from the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in 1996 with research in the area of machine learning under the guidance of Gustavo Deco. Prior to joining CCNY he worked on medical imaging at Siemens Corporate Research (1995-1997) and acoustic signal processing at Sarnoff Corporation (1997-2003).
Lucas' current work revolves around "reading and writing the brain: electric stimulation, brain signals, machine learning." H...2018-05-0800 minThe Nature of Story#06: A Communal Art Form (w/ Dan Yashinksy)In this episode of The Nature of Story podcast, Michael Neelsen speaks with Dan Yashinsky, Toronto oral storyteller and author of "Suddenly They Heard Footsteps: Storytelling for the Twenty-first Century."
DAN YASHINKSY is a well-known Canadian storyteller, author, and community organizer. He received, in 1999, the first Jane Jacobs Prize to honour his contributions as a storyteller to enhance Toronto’s cultural life. He also received a 2009 Chalmers Arts Fellowship from the Ontario Arts Council. Dan founded the Toronto Festival of Storytelling (in 1979) and co-founded the Storytellers School of Toronto. He also began the longest-running open session in North America: 1,001 Friday Ni...2018-05-0400 minThe Nature of Story#05: StoryBranding (w/ Jim Signorelli)In this episode of The Nature of Story podcast, Michael Neelsen speaks with Jim Signorelli, the author of StoryBranding 2.0: Creating Stand-Out Brands Through the Power of Story. Jim is also CEO of Story-Lab Chicago. There are remarkably few books out there that tackle storytelling in a way that's accessible to marketers while not oversimplifying things, and StoryBranding 2.0 is my personal favorite.
JIM SIGNORELLI is a marketing thought leader and speaker who has been acclaimed as one of the world's foremost experts on the subject of StoryBranding. You can read more about him at www.www.story-lab.net
Signorelli's articles and...2017-10-0200 minThe Nature of Story#04: Story and Philosophy (w/ Barry Lam)In this episode of The Nature of Story podcast, Michael Neelsen speaks with Barry Lam, host and creator of the podcast "Hi-Phi Nation," available on iTunes. Topics discussed include the ways philosophy and story don't work well together, whether or not it is possible to be an objective narrator, and why skeptics should surround themselves with blowhards -- sorta. It's one of the best conversations yet!
BARRY LAM is an alum of UC Irvine and former program director and general manager at KUCI 88.9FM. A PhD in philosophy at Princeton University, Barry is currently Associate Professor of Philosophy at Vassar...2017-08-1800 minThe Nature of Story#03: The Moral Molecule (w/ Dr. Paul Zak)In this episode of The Nature of Story podcast, Michael Neelsen speaks with Dr. Paul Zak about his research into oxytocin, a brain chemical associated with trust and generosity, and the role of stories in releasing the hormone. They also discuss Dr. Zak's taxpayer-funded research for the Department of Defense, the predictive power of ZEST scores, and a more scientific approach to test screenings for filmmakers.
DR. PAUL ZAK is the founding Director of the Center for Neuroeconomics Studies and Professor of Economics, Psychology and Management at Claremont Graduate University. He has degrees in mathematics and economics from San Diego...2017-08-1600 minThe Nature of Story#02: The Science of Story (w/ Kendall Haven)In this episode of The Nature of Story podcast, Michael Neelsen speaks with Kendall Haven about the neuroscience of story, the difference between story and storytelling, why the Department of Defense is investing in story research, how the neural story net works and other topics.
KENDALL HAVEN is a nationally recognized master storyteller and the author of numerous books, including "Marvels of Math, Write Right!", and "Close Encounters with Deadly Dangers". A former research scientist, he is based in Fulton, California.
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The Nature of Story#01: Stories to Persuade (w/ Annette Simmons)In this episode of The Nature of Story podcast, Michael Neelsen speaks with Annette Simmons about the definition of story, the problems with “sciencing the shit out of story,” the recent PR crisis at United Airlines, why Coca-Cola is a great brand storyteller, the Women’s March and other topics.
Annette Simmons is president of Group Process Consulting, whose clients include NASA, the IRS, and Microsoft. She has been featured on CNBC’s “Power Lunch” and NPR’s “Market Watch,” and has been quoted in “Fortune,” “The Washington Post,” and other publications. She is the author of several books, including “The Story Factor,” and “Whoe...2017-05-3100 min