Shows
Spineless: The Future Films of CriterionBut I'm A Cheerleader (1999) with Adelina MarinelloJust to clarify: YES we all agree with Natasha Lyonne’s perfect takes on AI usage in the entertainment industry*.The Spineless Boys are once again joined by Adelina Marinello to discuss Jamie Babbitt’s Criterion Collection candidate BUT I’M A CHEERLEADER (1999), a masterpiece of queer satire that is either sadder or funnier than it appears on the surface, depending on who you ask. Is this film camp? How does one define ‘camp’? Is Mad Max: Fury Road camp? Is RuPaul allowed to do a little fracking, as a treat? All these questions and more answe...2025-06-241h 40
Spineless: The Future Films of CriterionAsteroid City (2023)Doesn’t matter. Just keep telling the story. In the most symmetrical episode of Spineless yet, Nick and Brennan discuss Wes Anderson’s 2023 film Asteroid City, one of his few films not already in the Criterion Collection. They talk about the star-studded cast, the compelling but not-dramaturgically-sound use of metanarrative, and how Anderson’s Isle of Dogs and The French Dispatch haven’t yet made it to the Criterion Collection, which at the time of recording was still true. Plus, Brennan gets a lil’ emotional while sharing a personal tribute related to the film.Production designer A...2025-06-101h 35Spineless: The Future Films of CriterionWhiplash (2014) with Daniel KinneyNot my tempo. Film is all about asking questions, and the central question of this week’s film is: Imagine If You Liked Drum? To help answer that question, the Spineless Boys recruit percussionist (and Nick's brother) Daniel Kinney to discuss Damien Chazelle’s breakthrough Whiplash (2014), with surprisingly minimal discussion of Maestro and Red One for a film that involves music and also stars JK Simmons. Does a movie about a scary bald guy deserve to be in the Criterion Collection? Is the fictional Shaffer Conservatory a good depiction of music school? How did the Fant4stic Four...2025-05-271h 33Spineless: The Future Films of CriterionThe King of Comedy (1982)An obsessed fan will do anything to get what he wants--including....crime??? In a Martin Scorsese picture?!?On this episode of Spineless, Nick and Brennan break down Marty's undersung masterpiece The King of Comedy and the king himself Rupert Pupkin (Robert De Niro), asking questions such as: Why wasn't Jerry Lewis nominated for an Oscar for this performance? Who would be the King of Comedy of the modern age? And most importantly, how on earth did Joker (2019) get away with ripping this movie off so directly? The current lack of a 4K physical edition makes The King...2025-05-131h 11Spineless: The Future Films of CriterionZodiac (2007)If Roger Rabbit asks you to come down into his basement, DO NOT LISTEN!! It just might be the Zodiac speaking.This week on Spineless, Brennan and Nick discuss David Fincher's 2007 crime masterpiece Zodiac, a film which fourteen-year-old Brennan called “extremely terrifying” and also wrote a song about. Brennan and Nick discuss how Fincher subverts and plays within the true crime genre, where they were when one of Zodiac's messages was decrypted (Brennan's....basement?!?), and how this film is one of the greatest showcases of Guys™️ ever assembled. Plus, a special surprise guest gives their thoughts on the film...2025-04-291h 22Spineless: The Future Films of CriterionPhantom Thread (2017)Mushroom omelette, anyone?The title may deceive you--there are no phantoms in this movie. Just a very ornery dressmaker. Join Nick and Brennan as they discuss Paul Thomas Anderson’s haute couture character study Phantom Thread, a film that makes the Spineless Boys pose questions such as: Do Vicky Krieps and Daniel Day-Lewis be f***ing? Is this film secretly about Alfred Hitchcock? And, most importantly, what do Reddit incels think about all this? The only thing Nick and Brennan can agree for sure on is Harriet Samson Harris Oscar yesterday, please. FOR THE HUNGRY BO...2025-04-151h 34Spineless: The Future Films of CriterionFreddy Got Fingered (2001)We have one question for you: Daddy would you like some sausage?In one of their most delirious episodes yet, Brennan and Nick come to you in-person from the Windy City to discuss 2001’s FREDDY GOT FINGERED, a harbinger of things to come. It’s late at night and they got jewels, sausages, and a truly locked-in performance from Rip Torn on the brain, so get on into your rocket-powered wheelchair and take a listen to this episode of Spineless. Because what we all need is a Criterion release of this movie on 4K. It would be real...2025-04-011h 29Spineless: The Future Films of CriterionI Saw the TV Glow (2024) with Robin BordenGet out your luna juice and get ready to take on Mr. Melancholy: we're going to the Pink Opaque.In this Very Special Episode of Spineless, Nick and Brennan are joined by friend and comedian Robin Borden to discuss Jane Schoenbrun’s 2024 film I Saw The TV Glow, the recipient of a record-setting number of Golden Spine Awards. It’s a real lovefest here as we go over all the reasons this movie cooks and the profound metaphor for the trans experience that lies at its core. Plus, Nick has a suggestion for a very normal and unders...2025-03-182h 06
Spineless: The Future Films of CriterionThe 1st Annual Golden Spine Awards with Andy GermugaIt's Oscars weekend, and we wanted to get in on the fun...introducing the Golden Spine Awards, Spineless' own awards show celebrating excellence in 2024 cinema. We are joined by Andy Germuga (Cannes I Kick It? podcast) to pick our personal nominees and winners in 8 major categories: Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Supporting (x2), and Screenplay (x2). Plus, stick around for our own coveted award: Most Spineless. Nick and Brennan have some zags, and Andy came swinging with some excellent out-of-left-field picks. You will never, ever guess who Andy nominated for Best Actress.Before watching Conan host the Oscars...2025-03-012h 34Spineless: The Future Films of CriterionIf Beale Street Could Talk (2018)You might need tissues for this one folks.On this episode of Spineless, Nick and Brennan muse on love, loss, and adaptation in their discussion of Barry Jenkins’ If Beale Street Could Talk. Horrifically snubbed at the Oscars for 2018, Beale Street is a heartrending portrait of a love torn apart by the societal ills of its time, gorgeously adapted by Jenkins from a masterful novel by James Baldwin. Plus, Nick fills Brennan in on what he missed by skipping Jenkins' most recent film, particularly a giant white lion singing 🎶Bye Bye🎶. Let's hope Barry Jenkins uses all that Muf...2025-02-181h 18Spineless: The Future Films of CriterionStop Making Sense/American Utopia (1984/2020)Two movies. One episode. Several Talking Heads.In their first ever double-feature episode, Nick and Brennan discuss Jonathan Demme’s STOP MAKING SENSE (1984) and Spike Lee’s AMERICAN UTOPIA (2020), two of the greatest concert films of all time and certainly some great purveyors of unhinged David Byrne antics. Nick and Brennan talk about their favorite songs from each film, Brennan's experience seeing American Utopia live on Broadway in 2021, and the lasting legacy of Talking Heads' music--and David Byrne's big suit.Tom Hanks singing Once in a Lifetime and there are Racist FishKermit the...2025-02-041h 41
Spineless: The Future Films of CriterionAftersun (2022) with Adelina MarinelloIn Spineless’ first ever guest episode, The Spineless Boys are joined by Adelina Marinello: actor, playwright, and partner to one Nicholas Kinney, to discuss Charlotte Wells’ melancholy masterpiece AFTERSUN. Adelina thirsts over Paul Mescal and explains her deep connection to the film, Nick shares tidbits from Charlotte Wells' commentary, and Brennan discusses watching the film for the first time. There’s trouble in paradise though, as Adelina and the boys discuss Hall Passes (and Nick’s lack thereof), The Costco Guys, and the horrifying realization that you can never truly know another person. Offense to all boys. If you o...2025-01-211h 36Spineless: The Future Films of CriterionJackie Brown (1997)HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! For the very first Spineless episode of 2025, Brennan and Nick do a deep dive on Quentin Tarantino's most underrated film: Jackie Brown. A stacked cast, including Rochester native Robert Forster! An expertly orchestrated heist-esque sequence! Countless throwbacks to 70s Blaxploitation films, including Jackie Brown herself, THE Pam Grier! It's all here in QT's third feature, folks, and we talk about all that and more as we fantasize about a Criterion release. No tangents to be heard, especially not an extended one about an actor who isn't even in Jackie Brown. That would be insane....2025-01-071h 29Spineless: The Future Films of CriterionIt's A Wonderful Life (1946)Christmas Eve. A supernatural force. A shot at redemption. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. This week, the Spineless Boys discuss the timeless classic RED ONE (2024).Just kidding, we’re actually talking about Frank Capra’s 1946 masterpiece IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, the best film ever made about an uncle named Billy (among other things). Can Brennan and Nick make it through discussing the life-affirming beauty of Capra’s film without crying? The answer: Just barely!David Lynch crying talking about It's A Wonderful LifeThe Greatest Gift by Phillip Van Doren Stern--the basis for It's A Wonde...2024-12-101h 34Spineless: The Future Films of CriterionClueless (1995)Does anybody have any idea what's going on? Please help...we're CLUELESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!In their most chaotic episode yet, Nick and Brennan discuss Amy Heckerling’s bright and bubbly teen comedy CLUELESS while facing the existential threat of an Election Day. Does Cher have a better policy on immigration than Trump? Yes. Does Breckin Meyer look distractingly like a young Shia Laboeuf? Also yes. Is the incest plot O.K., actually? Nick and Brennan are divided on that one. Plus, the story of Nick and Brennan’s first meeting, and the particularly wimpy piece of clothing that brought them...2024-11-261h 14Spineless: The Future Films of CriterionPREVIEW: Clueless (1995)In this week's Substack essay, Brennan investigates why one of the most beloved teen comedies of all time features an incest subplot. To subscribe, visit The Spineless Boys’s Substack.The Criterion Collection is an ever-growing roster of movies deemed internationally significant on an artistic level. Each new film added to the collection is given a Spine Number, making any film NOT in the collection: SPINELESS. Join Nick and Brennan (your very-favorite SPINELESS BOYS) as they cover the classic and contemporary films they feel are most deserving of the Criterion treatment.REACH OUT TO...2024-11-1903 minSpineless: The Future Films of CriterionShattered Glass (2003)Watch your step, there's Shattered Glass all over the place!On this week’s episode, The Spineless Boys dive in to one of the most underrated films of the early-2000s. No lie here: Nick and Brennan talk about Hayden Christensen’s transformative performance as Stephen Glass, a serial manipulator and one of the first “fake news” cases on the internet, plus Bad Ape, their love of outdated machinery, and raving about character actors. Five Pinocchios. The Criterion Collection is an ever-growing roster of movies deemed internationally significant on an artistic level. Each new film added to...2024-11-121h 13
Spineless: The Future Films of CriterionMartin (1977)Good eeeeeevvveeening! On the final episode of their SPINE-chilling month of horror, Brennan gives Nick permission to enter and discuss George Romero’s spookily-underrated vampire classic. The Spineless Boys talk about Romero’s love of Pittsburgh and his love of amateur actors, his enduring legacy as horror raconteur, and the fact that Martin looks like Nick, which honestly? Very conceited of him to say. Plus, a visit from The Ghost With The Most, and the introduction of the Maestro Jar. The Criterion Collection is an ever-growing roster of movies deemed internationally significant on an artistic level. Each new...2024-10-291h 10
Spineless: The Future Films of CriterionPREVIEW: Martin (1977)Brennan here! Giving you a little preview of our next very spooky episode, while also sharing a bit from our newest Substack essay, available now.To subscribe, visit The Spineless Boys’s Substack.The Criterion Collection is an ever-growing roster of movies deemed internationally significant on an artistic level. Each new film added to the collection is given a Spine Number, making any film NOT in the collection: SPINELESS. Join Nick and Brennan (your very-favorite SPINELESS BOYS) as they cover the classic and contemporary films they feel are most deserving of the Criterion treatment....2024-10-2205 min
Spineless: The Future Films of CriterionBarbarian (2022)On this second spooky episode of Spineless’ Spine-Chilling Month of Horror, Nick and Brennan discuss Zach Cregger’s 2022 film Barbarian, making special note of its wicked smart script, unique marketing campaign, and freaked-up sense of humor. Would this film be better if it starred Alvin and his Chipmunks? Is it the best horror film of the decade so far? And...does it deserve Criterion status? Plus, the Eraserhead baby is back — in waveform! Content Warning for BarbarianThe Criterion Collection is an ever-growing roster of movies deemed internationally significant on an artistic level. Each new film a...2024-10-151h 27
Spineless: The Future Films of CriterionPREVIEW: Barbarian (2022)Brennan here! Giving you a little preview of our next very spooky episode, while also sharing a bit from our newest Substack essay, available now.To subscribe, visit The Spineless Boys’s Substack.The Criterion Collection is an ever-growing roster of movies deemed internationally significant on an artistic level. Each new film added to the collection is given a Spine Number, making any film NOT in the collection: SPINELESS. Join Nick and Brennan (your very-favorite SPINELESS BOYS) as they cover the classic and contemporary films they feel are most deserving of the Criterion treatment....2024-10-0903 min
Spineless: The Future Films of CriterionThe Changeling (1980)*breathy ghost child voice* Father… My movie podcast… To kick off the month of October, Nick and Brennan bring you their SCARIEST EPISODE YET! as they discuss the slow-burn horror classic THE CHANGELING (1980), a movie which stars George C. Scott as Maestro. Take a trip to the The Changeling House (not to be confused with the Changeling House) and try not to poop your pants as The Spineless Boys talk such scary concepts as Clint Eastwood, Young Sheldon, and dripping wet balls from nearby rivers. Welcome...to the Spineless SPINE-CHILLING MONTH OF HORROR!The Criterion Coll...2024-10-011h 10
Spineless: The Future Films of CriterionIntroducing the Spineless Substack!Brennan, one-half of Your Very Favorite Spineless Boys™️, is here on his week off to introduce you to the all-new Spineless Substack!Featuring bonus essays and articles, the Substack will serve as auxiliary content on the weeks off, and elaborate on certain themes and ideas introduced in each episode. They’ll also tease what we’ll be covering on the next episode! To subscribe, visit The Spineless Boys’s Substack.The Criterion Collection is an ever-growing roster of movies deemed internationally significant on an artistic level. Each new film added to the collection is given a...2024-09-2406 minSpineless: The Future Films of CriterionAnnette (2021)We love each other so much. On this week’s episode of SPINELESS, Nick and Brennan relive fond memories (for Nick, at least) of seeing the film together at IFC, discuss how Baby Annette is just a baby after all, and debate the merits of Diana: The Musical. Nick brings up the film MAESTRO for the first time in the history of the podcast, but it certainly won’t be the last! Plus, Brennan reads a passage from Infinite Jest, because of course he does. So… May we start?The Criterion Collection is an ever-growing roster...2024-09-171h 41Spineless: The Future Films of CriterionSorcerer (1977)What do you call a really good film that’s not Criterion yet?On the inaugural episode of SPINELESS, your fearless hosts Nick and Brennan venture into the sweaty, sweaty jungle to discuss William Friedkin’s 1977 film SORCERER! Pack up your dynamite and drive reeeeaaalllll slow as we discuss the career of the late Mr. Friedkin, the troubled production and release of the film, and, of course, Sorcerer Mickey. Would this film have been a success if it didn’t release in the wake of Star Wars? Is the Sorcerer truck the prototype for Furiosa’s War Rig? Wha...2024-09-031h 27