《爱电影~~非常电影评论~~》(Filmspotting)[MP3!]

爱电影~~非常电影评论~~



Phew........终于把几乎每集的Top5都更新了. 已经没力气把中文也放上了. 大家如果需要就上www.imdb.cn (IMDb中文网) 去找吧..抱歉~~

Filmspotting是由两个美国人在芝加哥电台主持的影评podcast. 在美国是非常受欢迎的. 本节目从2005年二月就开始啦! 到今年就已经三年了~~(之前记错了..记成04年了...抱歉~~) 主持是Adam Kempenaar 和 Matty Robinson, Matty是去年年末左右才进来这个节目的, 他代替了Adam之前的拍档--Sam Van Hallgran.( Sam和Matty是大学同学) 两个人主持的节目很轻松, 有趣, 每个星期都会评论不同的电影, 每星期一次节目, 每次节目长约一个小时~ 由于节目面向的是西方听众, 特别是美国自己人, 所以他们的谈话虽然关于电影, 但是也涉及到了很多本土的电影文化知识~ 刚开始接触的时候, 有很多都不知道他们在说什么咧...不过慢慢听多了, 就会有更多了解了.

他们对每部电影的见解都很个人化, 批评嘛~ 有时很中肯, 有时就比较那个...可是还是很值得借鉴的意见~ 而且很多地方都很好笑的~ 哈哈哈~ 是一个很轻松的谈话类节目, 并没有什么很深奥的专业术语, 所以我们这个普通的爱电影人也能比较容易接受~~~ 我真的很喜欢这个节目!! 刚听的时候, 大家也许会觉得他们语速太快, 可是想想看, 这样的节目是百听不厌的哦! 一个小时的节目可以听好几遍咧!!!

现在我稍微介绍一下节目的基本结构~~ 本节目每次都由三或者四部分组成.
第一部分, 就是介绍评论最新出炉的电影, 由于他们都是电影人, 所以都可以提前看到将要上映的电影, 放心~ 他们不会泄漏任何有关电影内容的东西~ 仅仅是给出自己的看法~ 不论他们是喜欢还是不喜欢, 你听了以后都会很想去亲自看看这部电影~ 或者~ 你可以先看了电影再去听他们的评论~ 看看自己的鉴赏力如何~ 哈哈哈~~

第二部份就介绍另外一部电影, 这部就不一定是新鲜出炉的啦~ 有可能是以前的电影, 但是绝对是他们觉得有兴趣的电影~还会在中间介绍一些新出的DVD, 当然是针对美国本土的...还会问一些poll question, 让听众投票等等

第三部份, 就是一个叫Massacre Theatre 的小节目~ 呵呵~ 他们两个会再现某一部电影中的某场景, 都是那部电影中的某段对话, 听众们听了以后呢(一般都只有美国人自己知道是什么...我听了这么久都没猜中一个.....T_T)....听众就会发Email送去自己的答案, 第二周的节目中, 他们就会抽出某位答对了的幸运听众! 然后就送出奖品~ 奖品是你喜欢的DVD~ 哈哈哈哈~ 很有吸引力啊!!! 可惜.....我不在美国.......哎....

好~ 最后一部分了~ 一般呢这里就是一个排名的东东~ 是Top 5的, 至于具体排名的内容, 每期都不一样~~ 比如, Top 5 Movies About Ambition, Top 5 "Friendship" Movies, 比如现在是08年啦~ 他们就会弄一个Top 5 Most Anticipated Movies in 2008~ 到春夏电影大量出来的时候, 他们又会弄Top 5 Most Anticipated Spring Movies.等等等等 ~ 多得不得了~!! 让你那个心动啊.... 每次的Top 5, 他们都会每个人弄一个, 然后各自说明为什么自己选这部戏, 为什么把这部放在第二或者第几...等等~ 有时呢~ 他们会集中介绍一个导演的作品~例如去年差不多年末时, 伟大的Ingmar Bergman 伯格曼导演去世了, 他们两个就开始了一个Marathon, 每星期介绍一个他们认为最经典的伯格曼电影~ 例如Wild Strawberriess 野草莓, The Seventh Seal等等...

好了~ 具体的介绍就是这样~ 希望大家喜欢!!! 我第一次发资源, 这真的是我自己非常非常喜欢的东西~ 希望大家能多多支持~~~~ 啊对了, 因为我是去年才开始听, 发的就从第146集开始, 如果大家喜欢 我会去把再以前的找来, 发给大家听~~还有哦~~ 如果大家听到他们两个人在那里说一大堆他们怎么怎么不喜欢这个演员~ 大家一定不要生气就再也不听了.....因为他们这些真的很personal的意见~大家宽宏大量一点哦~~~呵呵呵呵~~

如果听的时候听到感兴趣的内容~ 就可以上The Internet Movie Database(IMDb)去查找~~

接下来是每集的内容, 由于上面的题目不完整, 我放在这里了:

Filmspotting #140: Apocalypto / Akira / Top 5 DVDs of 2006

Dec. 13: With the mug shot, the DUI and the deeply offensive anti-Semitic remarks, it was unclear whether Mel Gibson would see "Apocalypto" released in 2006 -- if at all. It's not like the 15th century Mayan adventure story was exactly an easy sell to begin with. Well, time passed (the arrest happened in late July) and the film's distributor, Buena Vista (aka Disney), decided that tempers had cooled and so the film was unleashed on 2500 screens over the weekend. Listen as Adam and Sam restrain themselves from discussing the film as an anti-Herzogian paean to nature and instead debate the merits of a well-made action movie.

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, the third film in the Animation Marathon -- Katsuhiro Otomo's "Akira" -- and Sam and Adam's Christmas list ... the Top 5 DVDs of 2006.

Music by The Magnetic Fields courtesy of Merge Records.

Thanks to everyone who donated to Filmspotting this past week! We appreciate your support.

Filmspotting is brought to you by Peerflix. Trade DVDs online at peerflix.com

Any by Favre 4 Ever, available now on DVD.

Top 5:
Sam:1. Elevator to the Gallows. 2. The Conformist. 3. Brazil. 4. Apocalypse Now: Complete Dossier. 5. Talladega Nights/ Clerks Ⅱ

Adam:1. All The Presendent's Men/ Network/ Dog Day Afternoon. 2. Seven Samurai (Criterion). 3. Wayne-Ford Collection. 4. Superman Ultimate Collector's Ed. 5. Oldboy (3-Disc)


Filmspotting #141: The Pursuit of Happyness / Ghost in the Shell / Top 5 Supporting Performances

Dec.20: It's fair to say that 99% of the people who go to see Will Smith in "The Pursuit of Happyness" know exactly what the movie is going to do to them -- make them cry. The inspiring true story of a down-on-his-luck dad who risks everything to give his family a better life, "Pursuit" is this year's "Cinderella Man." But is there enough Cinderella story to bring Adam and admitted crybaby Sam to tears? Or does Gabriele Muccino, directing his first English-language film, make a conventional Hollywood debut?

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, the fourth film in the Animation Marathon -- Mamoru Oshii's "Ghost in the Shell" -- and the first in a three-part look at the best of the year in cinema ... the Top 5 Supporting Performances of 2006.

Music by The Essex Green courtesy of Merge Records.

Thanks to everyone who donated to Filmspotting this past week! We appreciate your support.

Filmspotting is brought to you by Peerflix, a fun place to get movies for less.

Any by Sony Picture's Stomp the Yard. In theatres in January. Check it out at StompThePodcast.com

Top 5:
Sam:1. Adriana Barraza / Rinko Kikuchi, Babel. Phillip Seymour Hoffman, M:I:3. 2. Shareeka Epps, Half Nelson. John C. Reilly, Talladega Nights. 3. Charlotte Gainsbourgh, Science of Sleep. Paul Giamatti, The Illusionist. 4. Abigail Breslin, Little Miss Sunshine. Oscar Isaac, Nativity Story. 5. Nora Zehetner, Brick. Ben Sliney, United 93.

Adam:1. M. Gyllenhaal, WTC / Stranger Than Fiction. Ray Winstone, The Proposition. 2. Carmen Maura, Volver. James McAvoy, The Last King of Scotland. 3. Abigail Breslin, Little Miss Sunshine. Ben Sliney, United 93. 4. Meryl Streep, A Prairie Home Companion. Paul Giamatti, The Illusionist. 5. Rinko Kikuchi, Babel. Jackie Earle Hailey, Little Children.


Filmspotting #142 (WBEZ Edition): Dreamgirls / Letters From Iwo Jima / Top 5 Performances of 2006

Dec. 30: On this Chicago Public Radio edition: Filmspotting vs. The Oscar Hopefuls...

A big screen adaptation of the 1981 Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, "Dreamgirls" has been touted by many as the movie to beat at the 2007 Academy Awards. Written and directed by the Oscar-winning "Chicago" scribe Bill Condon, the movie is chock full of stars and the promise of big, show-stopping numbers. The movie has received lots of praise from critics who call it a return to the grand spectacle of classic movie musicals. Will your hosts -- two guys who loved "Cabaret" and "An American In Paris," among other films included in their Musicals Marathon -- fall in line? Or will they dare to question the movie's Oscar worthiness?

Back in November, Adam and Sam had a lukewarm response to a film that was being called one of the year's best, Clint Eastwood's "Flags of Our Fathers." Now the second part of Eastwood's WWII epic, "Letters From Iwo Jima," is being released to even more enthusiastic reviews. If "Flags" was informative but dramatically inert, does Eastwood's Japanese counterpart suffer from the same ills? Or does the film's new perspective of an old enemy really elevate the film to greatness?

Also on the show: Massacre Theatre and Filmspotting continues its look back at the best of the year in cinema ... the Top 5 Male and Female Performances of 2006.. [Filmspotting #141 featured the Top 5 Supporting Performances of the year and Filmspotting #144, available on 1/10, will feature a year-end wrap-up devoted to the best films of 2006.]

Music by Bottle Rockets courtesy of Bloodshot Records.

Filmspotting is brought to you by Peerflix, a fun place to get movies for less.

Any by Sony Picture's Stomp the Yard. In theatres in January. Check it out at StompThePodcast.com

Top 5:
Sam:1. Gretchen Mol, Notorious Bettie Page. Gael Garcia Bernal, The Science of Sleep. 2. Meryl Streep, Devil Wears Prada. Ryan Gosling, Half Nelson. 3. Evan Rachel Wood, Down in the Valley. Forest Whitaker, Last King... 4. Jennifer Anniston, The Break-Up. Ed Norton, Down in the Valley. 5. Helen Mirren, The Queen. Will Smith, Pursuit of Happyness.

Adam:1. Maggie Gyllenhaal, Sherrybaby. Forest Whitaker, Last King of Scotland. 2. Helen Mirren, The Queen. Leonardo DiCaprio, The Departed. 3. Penelope Cruz, Volver. Ryan Gosling, Half Nelson. 4. Lee Young-Ae, Lady Vengeance. Daniel Craig, Casino Royale. 5. Gretchen Mol, Notorious Bettie Page. Clive Owen, Children of Men.


Filmspotting #143: The Good German / We Are Marshall / Bobby

Jan 4: How low has the great Steven Soderbergh fallen when a review of his latest film, The Good German, is relegated to an end-of-the-month holiday bonus show featuring reviews of McG's by-the-numbers sports drama We Are Marshall and Emilio Estevez's Bobby -- the Brat Packer's first feature film directorial effort in 10 years? Depending which host of Filmspotting you ask, "German" is either an elegant and interesting misfire or a near masterpiece marred only by a single unsatisfactory performance [guess what: it's not Cate Blanchett].

This episode of Filmspotting also marks the first time in the history of the show that Adam and Sam worked without any kind of show outline in front of us. Sam calls it "commando style." Adam would like everyone to pretend that he and Sam were drunk when recording.

Filmspotting #144: Top 10 Films of 2006

Jan 10: If you go by the calendar, Adam and Sam are at least a week late with their best of 2006 lists. Thankfully, their tardiness can be justified by a flurry of year-end movie watching that is well represented in their respective top 10's (which, for you cheaters, can be found here). And with the no-tie rule in effect, Adam and Sam were forced to call in the help of some very special guests ... including writer/director Rian Johnson, "This American Life" host Ira Glass and Onion A.V. Club editor Scott Tobias (see complete guest list below).

Also on the show: Your hosts share their Worst Movie of the Year candidates and play another round of Massacre Theatre.

Music by Black Elephant ... Thanks to everyone who donated to Filmspotting this past week. We appreciate your support!

Filmspotting is brought to you by Peerflix, a fun place to get movies for less.

Top 5:
Adam:1.The Last King of Scotland. 2. The Departed. 3. Pan's Labyrinth. 4. United 93. 5. Brick. 6. Fast Food Nation. 7. Letters From Iwo Jima. 8. Children of Men. 9. Volver. 10. The Proposition. 11. L'Enfant.

Sam:1.The Science of Sleep. 2. Shortbus. 3. Marie Antoinette. 4. The Death of Mr. Lazarescu. 5. Half Nelson. 6. Brick. 7. Bubble. 8. Babel. 9. Children of Men. 10. Fast Food Nation. 11. Pan's Labyrinth.

Worst Films of 2006:
Adam:1. Pirates of the Caribbean 2. 2. The Black Dahlia. 3. All The King's Men / American Dreamz

Sam:1. All The King's Men. 2. The Black Dahlia. 3. Pirates of the Caribbean 2

Top 5 Regrets (Need to see):
Adam:1. The Death of Mr. Lazarescu. 2. Army of Shadows. 3. Road To Guantanamo. 4. Deliver Us From Evil / Jesus Camp. 5. Manderlay.

Sam:1. Volver. 2. Notes on a Scandal. 3. Deliver Us From Evil. 4. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer. 5. Lady Vengeance.

Filmspotting #145: Children of Men / Pan's Labyrinth / Top 5 Breakthroughs of 2006

Jan 17: If 2006 was the year of the Mexican director, then it's appropriate that Adam and Sam finish their [gratuitously long] look at the year's best with reviews of films from two of the "Three Amigos" -- Alfonso Cuaron's "Children of Men" and Guillermo del Toro's "Pan's Labyrinth." Along with Alejandro Gonzelez Inarritu's "Babel," the directors were responsible for three of the most imaginative, thrilling and powerful films of the year.

Cuaron's "Children of Men" is more than just an incredibly well shot movie, but it's hard to get past the sheer thrill of watching it. And del Toro's "Labyrinth" is more than just a well constructed "adult fairy tale"; but, of course, it's that, too. Both films work on a number of levels: as exciting cinema, as potent political allegories, as moving personal journeys ... here's hoping they find the audiences they deserve.

Also on the show, 2006: The Best of Everything Else -- with a little help two of the most quotable movies of the year, "Clerks II" and "Talladega Nights." Last week Adam and Sam announced their ten favorite films of the year. This week they bring you the overrated and the under-appreciated, plus their favorite villains, memorable scenes, surprises and more. And, after a long hiatus, Listener Feedback returns, along with Massacre Theatre and the Rian Johnson Memorial Top 5 Breakthroughs/Discoveries of 2006.

WARNING: Filmspotting apologies for a few f-bombs and other 'crude' language. We warned you about the first one in the voicemail, but somehow forgot to mention the swearing in the first "Clerks II" clip. And, well, we HAD to play that clip. You understand. We're not actually opposed to this language, but since the show is typically pretty clean, we feel obliged to point out such deviations.

Music by The Clientele from the album "Strange Geometry" courtesy of Merge Records.

Discoveries/Breakthroughs:
Adam:1. Guillermo del Toro, Pan's Labyrinth. 2. Kevin MacDonald, Last King of Scotland. 3. Ryan Gosling, Half Nelson. 4. Neil Burger, The Illusionist. 5. Anthony Mackie, Half Nelson / We Are Marshall.

Sam: 1. Ryan Gosling, Half Nelson. 2. David Jacobson, Down in the Valley. 3. James Marsh, The King. 4. Shia Lebouf, Bobby / Guide To Recognizing... 5. Jonah Hill, Accepted.

Overrated:
Adam: 1. An Inconvenient Truth. 2. Flags of Our Fathers. 3. Borat. 4. Babel. 5. Dreamgirls.

Sam:1. The Queen. 2. Borat. 3. The Departed. 4. Little Miss Sunshine. 5. Casino Royale.

Underrated:
Adam: 1. Bobby 2. Accepted 3. The Lake House 4. The Fountain 5. The Break-Up

Sam: 1. American Dreamz 2. The King 3. Idiocracy 4. The Notorious Bettie Page 5. The Pursuit of Happyness

Surprises:
Adam:1. Kirsten Dunst, Marie Antoinette 2. The Break-Up / J. Aniston 3. Penelope Cruz, Volver 4. The Lake House 5. Casino Royale

Sam:1. The Break-Up / J. Aniston 2. Clerks 2 / Rosario Dawson 3. M:i:3 / Keri Russell 4. The Pursuit of Happyness 5. Stranger Than Fiction / Will Ferrell

Disappointments:
Adam:1. M. Wahlberg, Invincible 2. Jodie Foster, Inside Man 3. J. Moore, Children of Men 4. Babel 5. Borat 6. Superman Returns

Sam: 1. All The Kings Men 2. A Scanner Darkly 3. Jackass Number Two 4. Art School Confidential 5. Talladega Nights 6. Tristram Shandy

Owes Apology To (according to other host):
Adam:1. Ed Norton, D. Jacobson, Down In The Valley 2. Chris Weitz, American Dreamz

Sam: 1. Kevin MacDonald, Last King of Scotland 2. Jack Nicholson, The Departed

Best Endings:
Adam:1. Inside Man 2. The Prestige 3. Little Miss Sunshine 4. A Prairie Home Companion 5. Pan’s Labyrinth

Sam: 1. A Prairie Home Companion 2. Children of Men 3. Pan's Labyrinth 4. The Pursuit Of Happyness 5. The Science of Sleep


FS #146 (WBEZ): Sundance Review / Garth Jennings, Craig Brewer Interviews

Jan. 28: Maybe the first Sundance is always the best. Take a glance at festival reports from Sundance veterans and you'd think that Park City had become indistinguishable from the crass commercialism of Hollywood. Adam and Sam spent six days at the festival, saw 20 films [most of them good, very good or great], sat down with the writer/directors of two of their favorite films, had a quick chat with Elvis Mitchell, and sat within shouting distance of Justin Timberlake at the world premiere of Craig Brewer's "Black Snake Moan." It was a very good, occasionally surreal week.

On this Chicago Public Radio edition of Filmspotting: the five [actually, six] best films that Adam and Sam saw at Sundance and two interviews -- one with "Black Snake Moan" director Craig Brewer and another with Garth Jennings and Nick Goldsmith, the directing/producing team behind Adam and Sam's favorite film of the festival, "Son of Rambow"). Plus, Massacre Theatre and the Top 5 Sundance Debuts... of all-time.

To hear more in-depth coverage of the films that Filmspotting saw during its week at Sundance, check out the three "daily dispatches" that posted Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of festival week (see below).

Music by Utah Carol from the album "Rodeo Queen."

Filmspotting is brought to you by Peerflix, a fun place to get movies for less.

CORRECTIONS/NOTES
- On Sundance Dispatch #2 earlier in the week we said that "The Pool" was Chris Smith's first fiction film. Actually, it is his second, but his first since his 1995 debut "American Job." We misinterpreted Sundance's notes. Thanks for the correction to listener Scott Jones.
- "Midnight Cowboy" was not only the first X-rated movie to win Best Picture, it is, of course, the only X-rated movie to win Best Picture.

Have a comment or Top 5 list you'd like to share? Send an e-mail or short mp3 clip to feedback@filmspotting.net. Or give us a call at 206-203-CINE and leave a voice message.

Filmspotting #147: Inland Empire / Tom Tykwer / Spirited Away / Top 5 Most Deserved Oscars

Feb. 7: In order to properly discuss David Lynch's new film "Inland Empire," Adam and Sam were given a one-show licence to turn Filmspotting into a forum to discuss abstract art. That license was revoked halfway through their conversation. If there are unconventional pleasures to be had with this unconventional film, what are they? What does it mean that a film is simultaneously thrilling, tedious, unnerving and impenetrable? Does that make it a masterpiece? Or a pretentious, self-indulgent exercise? Also on the show: Adam's interview with director Tom Tykwer ... some quick thoughts on Tykwer's new film "Perfume: The Story of a Murderer" ... and, after a long hiatus, the Animation Marathon returns with the fifth film in the six-week series, Hayao Miyazaki's Oscar-winning "Spirited Away." Plus, Massacre Theatre and the Top 5 Most Deserved Oscars -- the rare cases where the Academy actually got it right! Music by The Silos from the album "Come On Like The Fast Lane" courtesy of Bloodshot Records. Filmspotting is brought to you by Peerflix, a fun place to get movies for less. And by Favre 4 Ever, available now on DVD.
CORRECTIONS/NOTES - "Inland Empire" trailer - Why does Sam use the word "mind-Cinecast" when setting up "Inland Empire"? Replacing a vulgarity with the word Cinecast became fashionable in the Filmspotting Message Boards. Have a comment or Top 5 list you'd like to share? Send an e-mail or short mp3 clip to feedback@filmspotting.net. Or give us a call at 206-203-CINE and leave a voice message.

Oscars Got Right:
Adam: 1. R. De Niro, S. Spacek, T. Hutton ('80) 2. Unforgiven ('92) 3. Silence of the Lambs, A. Hopkins, J. Foster ('91) 4. K. Kline ('88) / B. Del Toro "00) 5. S. Sarandon ('95)/ F. McDormand ('96)

Sam: 1. Steven Soderbergh ('00) 2. Amadeus ('84) 3. Daniel Day-Lewis ('89) 4. Chris Cooper('02) 5. Hilary Swank ('99)


FS #148 (WBEZ): Oscar Preview / The Dead Girl / Jesus Camp

With Helen Mirren and Forest Whitaker virtual locks for Best Actress and Best Actor at next weekend's Oscars, you'd think that there would be little to debate on this Oscar Edition of Filmspotting. Then again, this episode marks the official end of the 2006 movie season, which means one last chance for Adam to take potshots at "Babel" and a final opportunity for Sam to remind listeners that he has no soul by hating on "Little Miss Sunshine." On this week's show, your hosts look into their patented Filmspotting crystal ball and pick the winners [and the should-winners] for Best Supporting Actor and Actress, Best Actor and Actress, Directing and Best Picture.

Plus, Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, and reviews of the Oscar-nominated documentary "Jesus Camp" (out now on DVD) and "The Dead Girl," the new ensemble film starring Toni Collette and Brittany Murphy,

Music by Dan Bern from the album "Breathe" courtesy of Messenger Records.

Filmspotting is brought to you by Peerflix, a fun place to get movies for less.

Have a comment or Top 5 list you'd like to share? Send an e-mail or short mp3 clip to feedback@filmspotting.net. Or give us a call at 206-203-CINE and leave a voice message.


Filmspotting #149: Breach / The Iron Giant / Spring Movie Preview

Feb. 23: FBI agent Robert Hanssen sold state secrets to the Soviets for nearly 20 years. When he was finally caught in 2001, his crimes were considered among the biggest intelligence disasters in U.S. history. He was also a devout Catholic, a self-described patriot and a sexual deviant. Fascinating guy. So, why is Billy Ray's new film "Breach" all about Eric O'Neill (Ryan Phillipe), the man who helped bring Hanssen (Chris Cooper) to justice? Believe it or not, Adam and Sam have an answer.

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, and the final entry in Filmspotting's six-movie Animation Marathon, Brad Bird's "The Iron Giant."

Plus, Adam and Sam reveal their Top 5 Most Anticipated Spring Movies, including new films from Quentin Tarantino, David Fincher and the "Shaun of the Dead" crew.

Music by The Dark Horse Project.

Filmspotting is brought to you by Peerflix, a fun place to get movies for less.

CORRECTIONS/NOTES
- Re: Billy Ray and his '70s approach... Obviously "All The President's Men" isn't a 'spy' movie. But part of the genius of the film is the way Alan Pakula makes a movie about two journalists seem like an espionage thriller.

Have a comment or Top 5 list you'd like to share? Send an e-mail or short mp3 clip to feedback@filmspotting.net. Or give us a call at 206-203-CINE and leave a voice message.

Filmspotting #150: Zodiac / Oscars Recap / Top 5 Movies We Need To See

March 2: Inspector Harry Callahan took down a Zodiac-like killer with a bullet to the chest back in 1972's "Dirty Harry," but that was in the movie world. In the real world, the Bay Area serial killer was never caught. Which makes the unsolved case the perfect subject for a David Fincher movie. The director of "Seven," "Fight Club" and "The Game," Fincher doesn't mind making things unpleasant for his audiences, even if that means denying them the pleasure of seeing a bad guy get what's coming to him. "Zodiac" (opens today) was one of Adam and Sam's most anticipated films of 2007. Did it meet their expectations? At least one of them thought so.

Also on the show: Sam and Adam recap Sunday night's Academy Awards and wrap up their six-week Animation Marathon with "The Harryhausens," their Best of the Marathon Awards.

Plus, Massacre Theatre and the Top 5 Movies We Need To See -- a redux of the top 5 list from Filmspotting's second episode way back in March 2005.

Music by Anne McCue from the album "Koala Motel" courtesy of Messenger Records.

Filmspotting is brought to you by Peerflix, a fun place to get movies for less.

CORRECTIONS/NOTES
- Yes, there is some extra 'white noise' in Sam's audio track, especially in segments #2-4. This was our first effort recording with Sam in Milwaukee. Still working out the kinks.
- The Woody Allen clip during the Top 5 is from "Manhattan."

Have a comment or Top 5 list you'd like to share? Send an e-mail or short mp3 clip to feedback@filmspotting.net. Or give us a call at 206-203-CINE and leave a voice message.

Top 5:
Adam: 1. Once Upon a Time in the West 2. Rules of the Game / Grand Illusion 3. North by Northwest 4. Lawrence of Arabia 5. Fanny and Alexander

Sam: 1. The Seven Samurai 2. The 400 Blows 3. Double Indemnity 4. Sixteen Candles / TBA '80s Movie 5. The Long Goodbye


Filmspotting #151: The Lives of Others / Birth of a Nation / Top 5 Movies About Voyeurs

March 9: When Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck accepted the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar for "The Lives of Others," Germans everywhere cheered. The rest of the world scratched their heads wondering why Guillermo del Toro's triple-Oscar winner "Pan's Labyrinth" hadn't won instead. A film about loyalty, betrayal and the transformative power of art, "Lives" manages to recall great surveillance pictures of the past (Coppola's "The Conversation," among others), while also recalling the philosophical filmmaking of Krzysztof Kieslowski. But is it better than del Toro's critically-acclaimed adult fairy tale? Adam and Sam weigh in.

Also on the show: Filmspotting starts its six-week Silent Films Marathon by wrestling with D.W. Griffith's troublesome masterpiece "The Birth of a Nation." Plus, Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, and the Top 5 Movies About Voyeurs.

Music by Graham Parker courtesy of Bloodshot Records.

Filmspotting is brought to you by Peerflix, a fun place to get movies for less.

CORRECTIONS/NOTES
- Only the first Graham Parker track, "Stick To The Plan," is a 'new' song -- from his upcoming album "Don't Tell Columbus." The other two tracks are from previous albums. (Long story)

Top 5:
Adam: 1. Rear Window 2. Blue Velvet 3. Rashomon/The Thin Blue Line 4. The Conversation 5. Wings of Desire

Sam: 1. 2001: A Space Odyssey 2. Rear Window 3. The Conversation 4. Sex, Lies & Videotape 5. Cache


Filmspotting #152: 300 / Cabinet of Dr. Caligari / Top 5 Battle Scenes

March 16: The last time Adam and Sam had a conversation about the film adaptation of a Frank Miller graphic novel, it was March 2005, and the movie was Robert Rodriguez's "Sin City." Sam hated Rodriguez's religious devotion to its misogynistic source material, while Adam was thrilled by the movie's visual inventiveness. Well, it's been two years since "Sin City," and the wounds still haven't healed.

Now Zack Snyder has adapted Miller's 1998 graphic novel "300," the writer's fanciful rendering of the 5th century BC battle at Thermopylae, which pitted 300 Spartan soldiers against the great Persian army.

The question: is Snyder's testosterone-fueled, CGI-constructed adaptation of "300" the next evolutionary step in movie combat? A "Matrix" or "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" for 2007? Or is it just the mind-numbing equivalent of watching someone play a blood-soaked video game for two hours?

With "300," Frank Miller has, for the second time, inspired Adam and Sam to take opposing sides of a heated argument.

Also on the show: The six-week Silent Movie marathon continues with Robert Wiene's 1919 German Expressionist classic "The Cabinet of Dr. Calgari". Plus, Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, and our Top 5 Battle Scenes.

Music by Arcade Fire from the new album "Neon Bible" courtesy of Merge Records.

Filmspotting is brought to you by Peerflix, a fun place to get movies for less.

Top 5:
Adam: 1. Saving Private Ryan, Omaha Beach 2. Apocalypse Now, Ride of the Valkyries 3. Black Hawk Down, Mogadishu 4. Master and Commander, Acheron 5. Enemy at the Gates, Stalingrad

Sam: 1. Empire Strikes Back, Hoth 2. Kingdom of Heaven, Siege of Jerusalem 3. Saving Private Ryan, Omaha Beach 4. Return of The King, Pellamor Fields 5. Henry V, Agincourt


Filmspotting #153: Reign Over Me / The Lookout Interviews / Top 5 'Friendship' Movies

March 23: Quick... name three films about grieving men that aren't also about sports, dating, and/or revenge. It's not a common subject, which makes Mike Binder's new film "Reign Over Me" a compelling case. The film also gives Adam Sandler another shot at dramatic acting, this time as a profoundly depressed man whose wife and children died on 9/11, and whose only solace is classic rock and video games.

Binder's previous film was 2005's "The Upside of Anger," a film neither Sam nor Adam particularly liked, despite the fact that it starred Joan Allen, one of their favorite actresses. Is Binder's latest effort an improvement? Or are the considerable talents of Sandler and co-star Don Cheadle wasted?


Also on the show: Adam's interview with Scott Frank (Out of Sight, Get Shorty), writer/director of the new film "The Lookout," and two of the film's stars, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Matthew Goode.

Plus, Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, and our Top 5 Movies About Friendship.

Music by Richard Buckner from the new album "Meadow" courtesy of Merge Records.

Filmspotting is brought to you by Peerflix, a fun place to get movies for less.

Top 5:
Adam: 1. The Shawshank Redemption 2. Good Will Hunting 3. Withnail and I / Y Tu Mama Tambien 4. Stand by Me 5. Heavenly Creatures

Sam: 1. The Deer Hunter / Midnight Cowboy 2. Rushmore / Bottle Rocket 3. The Big Lebowski / Swingers 4. The Butcher Boy / Son Of Rambow 5. Anchorman / Clerks 2


Filmspotting #154: The Host / Blades of Glory / The Lookout / Top 5 Career Reboots

March 30: Bong Joon-ho's "The Host" has been picking up critical accolades since its debut at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2006. Bong's satirical monster movie has finally come ashore here in the States, but Adam and Sam are approaching the film with caution -- encouraged by the praise, but a little skeptical that the movie will have more to offer than it's multi-tentacled, multi-million dollar CGI creature.

Also on the show: One-sided reviews of the new Will Ferrell/Jon Heder figure skating comedy "Blades of Glory" and "The Lookout," the new thriller from writer/director Scott Frank starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt. [Due to scheduling conflicts, Adam and Sam had to flip a coin for these reviews ... listen to find out who lost.]

Plus, Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, and Filmspotting's Top 5 Career Reboots -- Adam and Sam stage an intervention for ten lucky actors.

Music by National Beekeepers Society.

Filmspotting is brought to you by Peerflix, a fun place to get movies for less. Check out the Filmspotting group page!

Top 5:
Adam: 1. Val Kilmer 2. Kevin Kline 3. Elias Koteas 4. Harvey Keitel / Ben Kingsley 5. Diane Keaton

Sam: 1. Gene Wilder 2. Laura Dern 3. Jeff Bridges 4. Andy Garcia 5. Jeff Goldblum


Filmspotting #155: The Namesake / Battleship Potemkin / Top 5 Fathers & Sons

April 6: What happens when Adam and Sam can't make it to an early screening of the most anticipated film of the year ("Grindhouse")? They end up seeing a movie that one of them claims is the best film of the year so far: Mira Nair's adaptation of Jhumpa Lahiri's debut novel, "The Namesake." Another example of a film that is being misrepresented by its advertising, "The Namesake" offers much more than just a chance to see if Kumar can pull off a serious role.

Also on the show: Sam offers a rebuttal to Adam's take on "The Lookout," and Adam weighs in on "Blades of Glory" -- a film that Sam VanPerbole labelled "dangerous" a week ago. Also, after a two-week hiatus, Filmspotting returns to its Silent Movies Marathon with Sergei Eisenstein's highly revered "Battleship Potemkin."

Plus, Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and, tying in with "The Namesake," Filmspotting's Top 5 Movies About Fathers and Sons.

Music by Neko Case courtesy of Bloodshot Records.

Filmspotting is brought to you by Peerflix, a fun place to get movies for less. Check out the Filmspotting group page!

Top 5:
Adam: 1. Ran 2. Lone Star 3. The Bicycle Thieves 4. Field of Dreams 5. Stand By Me

Sam: 1. Ran 2. Quiz Show 3. Fingers / The Beat That My Heart Skipped 4. The Squid & The Whale 5. True Romance


Filmspotting #156: Grindhouse / Disturbia / Sunrise / Top 5 B-Movie Actors

April 13: Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino grew up watching double-bills of made-on-the-cheap genre movies at grimy theatres in LA and Texas. Now they've each made a film for the b-movie pantheon -- "Planet Terror" and "Death Proof," respectively -- and together they've created a '70s-era drive-in experience called "Grindhouse." Described by Tarantino as a "horror film double feature," "Grindhouse" may have been made in a spirit of friendship and mutal appreciation, but in Adam and Sam's hands, the film has been reduced to a street fight -- with only one director left standing.

Also on the show: A review of the new film "Disturbia," and Adam's brief conversation with the film's star, Shia LaBeouf. Plus, Massacre Theatre, a discussion of F.W. Murnau's silent classic "Sunrise," and Filmspotting's 'Bruce Campbell Memorial' Top 5 B-Movie Actors list. Thanks to Vince Rotolo from the B-Movie Cast for his contribution to this week's Top 5!

Music by The Rosebuds courtesy of Merge Records.

Filmspotting is brought to you by Peerflix, a fun place to get movies for less. Check out the Filmspotting group page!

Top 5:
Adam: 1. Rutger Hauer 2. Michael Biehn 3. Michael Rooker 4. Clint Howard 5. Jeff Fahey

Sam: 1. Michael Madsen 2. Michael Ironside 3. Grace Zabriskie 4. Miguel Ferrer 5. Michael Wincott


Filmspotting #157: Hot Fuzz Interview / Fracture / Top 5 Movies About Ambition

April 20: From the podcasters who interviewed the men who saw every action movie ever made... it's Adam's interview with the team behind "Shaun of the Dead" and the new film "Hot Fuzz": Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. [Filmspotting's review of "Hot Fuzz" will appear next week on show #158, along with a special Pegg-Frost edition of Massacre Theatre.]

Spider-Man 3 is only a couple of weeks away, which means that the Spring movie doldrums are coming to a close. Except that Spring hasn't really been as full of garbage as Adam and Sam [and the rest of the world?] feared. There have been three great or nearly great films ["Black Snake Moan," "The Namesake" and "Grindhouse"]; two very good, surprisingly smart thrillers ["Breach" and "Zodiac"]; and a couple of decent genre films ["The Lookout," "Disturbia," and, for one half of Filmspotting at least, "300"]. So, would generic-looking thriller "Fracture" be another pleasant surprise? With Anthony Hopkins and Ryan Gosling going head-to-head, it certainly seemed to be a safe bet.

Also on the show: Massacre Theatre, Listener Feedback and -- tying in with "Fracture" -- the Top 5 Movies About Ambition.

Music by The Detroit Cobras from the new album "Tied and True" courtesy of Bloodshot Records.

Filmspotting is brought to you by Peerflix, a fun place to get movies for less. Check out the Filmspotting group page!

Top 5:
Adam: 1. Double Indemnity 2. Ran / Throne of Blood 3. Bob Roberts / Cradle Will Rock 4. A Star Is Born (1937) 5. Risky Business

Sam: 1. All About Eve 2. McCabe & Mrs. Miller 3. To Die For 4. Hustle & Flow 5. Shock Corridor


Filmspotting #158: Hot Fuzz / Metropolis / Top 5 Action Movies

April 27: Thanks to the cult success of his zombie movie send-up "Shaun of the Dead," director and co-writer Edgar Wright's follow-up, "Hot Fuzz," is receiving the kind of attention usually reserved for the movies that "Fuzz" lovingly pokes fun at -- big budget action spectacles. Starring Wright's co-writer, Simon Pegg, and "Shaun" veteran Nick Frost, "Hot Fuzz" tries to walk the same fine line between homage and mockery that its predecessor did. Despite being zombie movie illiterate, Adam and Sam loved "Shaun of the Dead." Versed as they are in the '80s action canon from which Wright's film gets most of its inspiration, would they have an even stronger response to "Fuzz"?

Also on the show: Massacre Theatre, Listener Feedback, the fifth film in Filmspotting's six-week Silent Movies Marathon, Fritz Lang's "Metropolis," and -- tying in with "Hot Fuzz" -- the Top 5 Action Movies.

Music by The Clientele courtesy of Merge Records.

Filmspotting is brought to you by Peerflix, a fun place to get movies for less.

Top 5:
Adam: 1. The Bourne Identity 2. The Matrix / The Terminator 3. Die Hard / Lethal Weapon 4. The Killer 5. First Blood

Sam: 1. Die Hard 2. The Bourne Identity/Supremacy 3. The Professional 4. Mission Impossible 3 5. Escape From New York


Filmspotting #159: Spider-Man 3 / Passion of Joan of Arc / Top 5 Most Anticipated Summer Movies

May 3: Adam and Sam kick off the 2007 summer movie season with a look at this year's entry in the superhero franchise sweepstakes: Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 3. After "Batman Begins" and "Superman Returns" failed to meet perhaps unrealistic -- and certainly nostalgia-fueled -- expectations, Adam and Sam approach the third Spider-Man movie with cautious enthusiasm. With three villains making his Spidey-sense work overtime, the question is not whether Spidey can handle it, but whether the audience can. Also on the show: Massacre Theatre, Listener Feedback, the sixth and final film in Filmspotting's Silent Movies Marathon, Carl Theodor Dreyer's "The Passion of Joan of Arc" and Adam and Sam share their Top 5 Most Anticipated Summer Movies. Music by Tim Fite from his new album "Over The Counter Culture," which you can download for free at timfite.com.

Filmspotting #160: 28 Weeks Later / Silent Movie Awards / Top 5 Character Introductions

May 11 (Chicago Public Radio): Back in 2002, "Trainspotting" director Danny Boyle put a new spin on the zombie genre with "28 Days Later." Instead of the stiff-legged, waking-walking dead, Boyle's "zombies" wreaked high-speed havoc thanks to a highly contagious virus called "Rage." "28 Weeks Later" (opens today) picks up where Boyle's film left off ... except with none of the original film's cast or crew. Adam and Sam get infected with a little "rage" themselves and offer split diagnoses on whether the new film is able to sustain the originality of its predecessor. Also on the show: Filmspotting listeners share their thoughts on Spider-Man 3 -- and prove to be just as dangerous to Spidey as super-villains Sandman and Venom. Plus, Massacre Theatre, the Filmspotting Silent Movie Marathon Awards [aka "The Chaneys"], and this week's Top 5 ... Character Introductions. Music by Milwaukee's Codebreaker from their new album "Exiled!" Filmspotting is proud to welcome our new partner, Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

Top 5:
Adam: 1. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory 2. Double Indemnity / Rear Window 3. Cool Hand Luke / The Hustler 4. Henry V / A Clockwork Orange 5. All That Jazz

Sam: 1. Sullivan's Travels 2. Big Night 3. The Big Lebowski 4. Taxi Driver 5. Memento


Filmspotting #161: Waitress / Away From Her / Double Indemnity / Top 5 Movies Directed By Women

May 18: Sarah Polley and the late Adrienne Shelly started their careers giving memorable performances in films not unlike the ones that each of them has now directed: "Away From Her" and "Waitress," respectively. Polley's adaptation of the Alice Munro short story "The Bear Came Over The Mountain" (her feature film debut) takes place in a snow-bound Canadian town that recalls the tragic landscape of Atom Egoyan's "The Sweet Hereafter," while Shelly's second feature film as writer-director is set in an oddball sitcom world that is not so out of step with the dry absurdity of Hal Hartley's "Trust" or "The Unbelievable Truth." Adam and Sam find both efforts worthy of their creators but disagree slightly on which film strikes the more resonant chord. Also on the show: Filmspotting listeners continue the battle Adam and Sam started last week over "28 Weeks Later." Plus, Massacre Theatre, the Top 5 Films Directed By Women, and a surprisingly contentious conversation about the first film in Filmspotting's six-week Film Noir Marathon, Billy Wilder's "Double Indemnity." Music by Portastatic courtesy of Merge Records. Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

Top 5:
Adam: 1. Fast Times At Ridgemont High 2. Harlan County, USA 3. Cleo from 5 to 7 / Vagabond 4. Personal Velocity 5. Orlando

Sam: 1. Marie Antoinette 2. The Namesake 3. Me and You and Everyone We Know 4. American Psycho / The Notorious Bettie Page 5. Fast Times At Ridgemont High


Filmspotting #162: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End / The Killers ('46) / Top 5 Sea Movies

May 25 (Chicago Public Radio): By all accounts there are millions of people around the world who have spent the past year in feverish anticipation of "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End." Adam and Sam were not among them. In fact, last summer's "Dead Man's Chest" (aka "Pirates 2") had the distinction of being the very nadir of Filmspotting's 2006 movie-going adventures. "At World's End" was filmed simultaneously with it's predecessor, which should offer no sane person any hope of redemption. So why a return to the high seas a year later? Eternal optimism, perhaps? Well, yes ... and the mixed blessing of low expectations. Also on the show: Filmspotting listeners weigh in with their favorite films directed by women and debate Billy Wilder's classic Noir "Double Indemnity." Plus, Massacre Theatre, the second film in Filmspotting's six-week Film Noir Marathon, "The Killers" (1946), and, in honor of "Pirates 3," the Top 5 "Sea" Movies -- films that take place on [or under, or near] bodies of water. Music by Greg Brown, Bo Ramsey and Brent Best from the album "Just One More: A Musical Tribute to Larry Brown" courtesy of Bloodshot Records. Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

Top 5:
Adam: 1. Jaws 2. Billy Budd 3. Master & Commander 4. The African Queen 5. Finding Nemo

Sam: 1. Master & Commander 2. A River Runs Through It 3. The Hunt For Red October 4. Fitzcarraldo 5. Dead Calm


Filmspotting #163: Knocked Up / Bug / Top 5 Opposites Attract Movies

June 1: "Knocked Up," writer/director Judd Apatow's follow-up to 2005's hilarious "The 40 Year-Old Virgin," burdens its portly, uncouth leading man Seth Rogen with a formidable task -- the "Virgin" sidekick doesn't just have to carry a movie for the first time (granted, with the help of Apatow regulars Paul Rudd, Jonah Hill and Jason Segel, among others), he also has to convince the audience that his sexy, put-together co-star Katherine Heigl could actually find him endearing. Does Rogen (and Apatow) succeed? Can a comedy that features a group of buddies developing pink eye after farting on each other's pillows actually prompt use of the word "profound"? Adam and guest host Scott Tobias from The Onion AV Club have your answers... and discuss William Friedkin's wacked-out, minimalist new film "Bug" starring Ashley Judd as a lonely barmaid who falls for a creepy former soldier (Michael Shannon) and becomes convinced that her run-down hotel room is teeming with insects. [Read Scott's review of "Knocked Up" here and his interview with Seth Rogen here.] Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and -- in honor of "Knocked Up" -- our Top 5 Opposites Attract Movies. Music by Robert Pollard courtesy of Merge Records. Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

Top 5:
Adam: 1. Annie Hall 2. Say Anything 3. Harold & Maude 4. West Side Story/Cabaret 5. Woman of the Year

Scott Tobias: 1. The Lady Eve 2. All That Heaven Allows 3. Duck Soup 4. Badlands 5. Something Wild


Filmspotting #164: Ocean's Thirteen / Once / Out of the Past / Top 5 Music Movies

June 15: Since following up his twin Oscar nominations [and Best Director win] in 2000 with the blockbuster "Ocean's Eleven," Steven Soderbergh has stayed busy but failed to reach those same early millennium artistic and box office highs. The big-budget "Ocean's Thirteen," like its predecessor "Ocean's Twelve," follows two films that seemed to satisfy Soderbergh's film-geek curiosity -- the digital art project "Bubble" and the homage to classic Hollywood cinema "The Good German", just as "Ocean's Twelve" was preceeded by the digital art project "Full Frontal" and a remake of Russian master Andrei Tarkovsky's "Solaris." Maybe making the "Ocean's" franchise is how a guy like Soderbergh relaxes. A lot of fans of "Ocean's Eleven" were let down by the lightweight sequel. Will a return to Vegas return Soderbergh and company to the audience's good graces? Adam and Sam weigh in. Also on the show, a review of "Once," winner of the World Dramatic Audience Award at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival. The low-budget musical romance has audiences swooning. Will Adam and Sam dare to stand in the way of what is fast becoming one of the most beloved films of the year? Plus: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, the third film in Filmspotting's Film Noir Marathon, "Out of the Past," and -- in honor of "Once" -- our Top 5 Movies About Music. Music by Fever Marlene from their new album "Civil War." Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

Top 5:
Adam: 1. Almost Famous 2. Black Snake Moan /Hustle & Flow 3. High Fidelity 4. Once 5. Sweet and Lowdown

Sam: 1. Black Snake Moan 2. 24 Hour Party People 3. The Commitments 4. Sweet and Lowdown 5. Nashville


Filmspotting #165: A Mighty Heart / Michael Winterbottom / Top 5 Journalism Movies

June 22: A week after lightly criticizing Filmspotting favorite Steven Soderbergh's new film "Ocean's Thirteen," Adam gets a chance to speak with another luminary in the Filmspotting universe, director Michael Winterbottom. Listen attentively as Adam does what no journalist has done since the director began work on his adaptation of Mariane Pearl's "A Mighty Heart": spend 15 minutes with Winterbottom without asking once about star Angelina Jolie or producer/husband Brad Pitt. Also on the show... Adam and Sam rate the return of Jolie as a 'serious actress' with their review of "A Mighty Heart."

Plus: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and -- in honor of "A Mighty Heart" and the late Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl -- our Top 5 Journalism Movies.

Music by Gore Gore Girls from their new album "Get The Gore" courtesy of Bloodshot Records.

Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

Top 5:
Adam: 1. Network 2. The Parallax View 3. His Girl Friday 4. The Insider 5. Sweet Smell of Success

Sam: 1. Reds 2. The Insider 3. City of God 4. His Girl Friday / Woman of the Year 5. The Agronomist


Filmspotting #166: Paris, Je T'aime / Gun Crazy / Top 5 Actors We'd Cast In Our Movie

June 29: Much of the new collaborative film "Paris, Je T'aime" is, appropriately, in French. And if you haven't seen the film, Adam and Sam's review may sound a lot like watching a foreign language film... without subtitles. With 18 love stories in 18 Paris neighborhoods from 18+ writer/directors, a coherent conversation about "Paris" proved to be a difficult juggling act. But with a film that pits the Coen Brothers against Tom Tykwer and Alexander Payne against Alfonso Cuaron, it might just be a conversation worth navigating. Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, the fourth movie in our Film Noir Marathon, "Gun Crazy," and the Top 5 Actors We'd Cast In Our Movie. Music by The Winter Sounds courtesy of Livewire Recordings. Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

Filmspotting #167: Sicko / Transformers / Top 5 'Fight The Power' Movies

July 6: Michael Moore and Michael Bay are about as different as two directors can be. One traffics in left-wing propaganda, hoping to affect change or, at the very least, provoke outrage; the other traffics in big-budget, effects-driven spectacles, hoping to entertain or, at the very least, provoke massive headaches. But despite their obvious differences, including their respective platforms (non-fiction vs. narrative), the two Mikes arguably share the distinction of being the two least subtle filmmakers in cinema today, wielding their cameras as blunt instruments aimed at bludgeoning their audiences into submission. The always controversial Moore doesn't appear on screen in his latest effort, "Sicko," a two-hour tirade against the U.S. health care system, until almost 50 minutes into the film. Adam and Time Out Chicago's Scott Smith discuss Moore's (slightly) less confrontational approach and rate "Sicko" against his previous films. In Kevin Smith's hilarious "Clerks II," Randal Graves denounces the "Transformers" as "an unholy curse from the beast we call the Desolate One." Randal surely wasn't offering an early review of Bay's new film based on the popular '80s animated TV series and line of Hasbro toys. Or was he? Adam and Scott weigh in... and wind up feeling really old. Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, and our Top 5 'Fight The Power' Movies. Music by Jon Rauhouse courtesy of Bloodshot Records. Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

Top 5:
Adam: 1. Modern Times 2. Matewan / Harlan County, USA 3. The Manchurian
Candidate ('62 and '04) 4. Fast Food Nation 5. Office Space

Scott Smith: 1. 12 Angry Men 2. Network 3. Three Days of the Condor 4. The Times of Harvey Milk 5. To Kill A Mockingbird


Filmspotting #168: Harry Potter / Ratatouille / Kasi Lemmons / Asphalt Jungle / Top 5 Misfits

July 13: When Adam and Sam announced earlier this Spring that they were going to skip "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" (as they had every Potter film since the series' debut back in 2001), Filmspotting listeners started a campaign of sorts to convince the hosts that the series, starting with the Alfonso Cuaron-directed third film "Prisoner of Azkaban," was worth catching up with. Adam dutifully brought himself up to speed; Sam remained in the dark. Both treaded skeptically into "Phoenix," but at least one of them was greatly rewarded for his efforts.


Filmspotting listeners also had a hand in convincing Adam and Sam to check out "Ratatouille." As fans of Brad Bird's "The Iron Giant" and "The Incredibles," they didn't need much coaxing, but will they fall into line with both listeners and critics that the latest Pixar film is nothing short of a masterpiece?


Also on the show: Adam's conversation with Kasi Lemmons, director of the new movie "Talk To Me" with Don Cheadle ... Massacre Theatre ... the fifth entry in our Film Noir Marathon, "The Asphalt Jungle" ... and our Top 5 Movie Misfits.

Music by Spoon from the new album "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga" courtesy of Merge Records.

Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

Top 5:
Adam: 1. Full Metal Jacket 2. The 400 Blows 3. The Outsiders 4. Grey Gardens 5. Brokeback Mountain

Sam: 1. 32 Short Films About Glenn Gould / Amadeus 2. Harold & Maude / Rushmore 3. The Science of Sleep 4. Nights of Cabiria 5. Marie Antoinette


FS #169: Rescue Dawn / Sunshine / Danny Boyle / Top 5 Performances of 2007 (So Far)

July 20: Steve Prokopy (aka Capone) from Ain't It Cool News joins Adam this week for a review of "Rescue Dawn," Werner Herzog's dramatic re-telling of his 1997 documentary "Little Dieter Needs To Fly." Not surprisingly, Herzog eschews political grandstanding and melodrama, focusing on the details of Dieter Dengler's (Christian Bale) incredible, obsessive quest to escape from a Laotian prison camp.


Depending on your definition, "Sunshine" marks director Danny Boyle's ("28 Days Later") first foray into science-fiction. Along for the philosophical space ride are Cillian Murphy, Rose Byrne and the crew of the Icarus 2. Their mission: deliver a nuclear device to re-ignite the sun and save mankind. Also along for the ride... Stanley Kubrick, Andrei Tarkovsky and every heavyweight who has boldly gone before Boyle. Does "Sunshine" belong in the same conversation with classics such as "2001" and "Solaris"? Adam and Steve discuss... Plus, hear Adam's interview with Boyle, in which the "Trainspotting" director praises the acting chops of Chris "The Human Torch" Evans and vows to never make another sci-fi film.

Also on the show: Massacre Theatre and our Top 5 Performances of the Year (So Far).

Music by The Rewinds courtesy of Livewire Recordings.

Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

FS #170: Talk To Me / Hairspray / Top 5 Movies of the Year (So Far)

July 27 (Chicago Public Radio Edition): Once you've seen Kasi Lemmons's new film "Talk To Me," you'll understand why it's nearly impossible to sound articulate talking about it. As played by Don Cheadle, the film's subject, the late, great Washington, D.C.-based DJ Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene makes everyone on the radio sound bad. Cheadle and co-star Chiwetel Ejiofor turn in inspired performances as Greene and producer/mentor Dewey Hughes, but is the movie worthy of their efforts? Adam couldn't have been less interested in seeing the new adaptation of the Broadway musical adaptation of John Waters's 1988 film "Hairspray" ... that is, until the film opened to enthusiastic reviews and it was too late for Sam to get to a screening. Adam spends a couple of minutes sharing his thoughts. Also on the show: Afraid of arriving at some dull consensus on their Top 5 Movies of 2007 (So Far), Adam and Sam invite two of their favorite movie critics to join them: Scott Tobias from The Onion A/V Club and Michael Phillips from the Chicago Tribune. As it turns out, only one film appeared on all four lists. Music by Nora O'Connor courtesy of Bloodshot Records. Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode! And by Toyota... Calling all aspiring deejays and sneaker-heads!

FS #171: The Bourne Ultimatum / The Simpsons Movie / Werner Herzog / Top 5 Movies About Memory

August 3: As charter members of the Bourne "Supremity" fan club, Adam and Sam were in a perfect position to be let down by the third film in the spy franchise, Paul Greengrass's "The Bourne Ultimatum." Would the movie pull a Streisand and fail to meet expectations? Or would Matt Damon and company "rock the sh*t" a third time around?

Between the two of them, Adam and Sam figured they'd probably seen 20 or so episodes of "The Simpsons." That averages out to just over one episode for each of the long-running series' 18 seasons. So what do a couple of non-devotees think of "The Simpsons Movie"? Well, it depends who you ask.

Plus, part one of Sam's interview with the man, the myth, the legend... Werner Herzog.

Also on the show: Massacre Theatre, the sixth and final movie in Filmspotting's Film Noir Marathon, "Kiss Me Deadly," and the Top 5 Movies About Memory.

Music by Ashton Allen courtesy of Livewire Recordings.

Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

Top 5:
Adam: 1. Memento 2. The Bourne Trilogy 3. Dark City 4. The Sweet Hereafter / Away From Her 5. Another Woman

Sam: 1. Memento 2. Solaris (1972) 3. La Jetee 4. Oldboy 5. Amateur


FS #172: Stardust / Matthew Vaughn / Film Noir Awards / Top 5 Storybook Loves

August 10: There have been plenty of comedic fairy tales in the 20+ years since "The Princess Bride," but few have so obviously taken their cue from that film's cocktail of magic, irreverence and sincerity as Matthew Vaughn's adaptation of Neil Gaiman's "Stardust." Adam and Sam can't resist a little "Bride" nostalgia in their discussion of the new film, and rate Michelle Pfeiffer's return to the screen after a five-year absence. In his interview with "Stardust" director Matthew Vaughn, Adam learns the surprising -- and not so surprising -- inspirations for "Stardust." Also on the show: Massacre Theatre, the Film Noir Marathon Awards -- "The Marlowe's" -- a conversation about the late Ingmar Bergman's "Autumn Sonata" and the Top 5 Storybook Loves. Music by Dollar Store courtesy of Bloodshot Records. Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

Top 5:
Adam: 1. Say Anything 2. Trust 3. Sunrise ('27) 4. Before Sunrise / Before Sunset 5. Sabrina ('54)

Sam: 1. It's a Wonderful Life 2. Before Sunrise / Before Sunset 3. Moonstruck 4. Sunrise ('27) 5. Pride & Prejudice


FS #173: Superbad / Moliere / Top 5 Theatre Movies

August 17: Judd Apatow has had a pretty good run lately. "The 40 Year-Old Virgin" and "Knocked Up," both written and directed by Apatow, pulled in huge numbers at the box office AND were widely adored by critics. The latest from Apatow -- he serves as producer here; Greg Mottola directs -- is "Superbad," written by "Knocked Up" breakout star Seth Rogen and writing partner Evan Goldberg. The semi-autobiographical tale of two horny, separation-anxiety-filled teens follows the now standard Apatow formula, mixing sentiment and raunchy humor. Adam and guest host Matty Ballgame reveal how much of themselves they saw in "Superbad's" sex-starved duo of Jonah Hill and Michael Cera, and weigh in on whether Team Apatow has chalked up its third win in a row, or seen its streak come to an end. Adam and Matty were excited to see Laurent Tirard's "Moliere," a 'non-biopic' about the legendary 17th century playwright and actor, for one major reason -- star Romain Duris. Adam was blown away by Duris's intense performance in 2005's "The Beat That My Heart Skipped" and couldn't wait to see what the "smoldering" French star pulled off next; Matty couldn't wait to see if Adam was an idiot. Would "Moliere" reward their interest, or destroy any credibility Adam had when it came to judging great acting? Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and the Top 5 Theatre Movies. Music by Dan Bern courtesy of Messenger Records. Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

Top 5:
Adam: 1. All That Jazz 2. All About Eve 3. Cradle Will Rock 4. Bullets Over Broadway 5. Waiting For Guffman

Sam: 1. The Goodbye Girl 2. All About Eve 3. Yankee Doodle Dandy 4. Waiting For Guffman 5. Moon Over Broadway


FS #174: The Invasion / Fall Movie Preview (Part I) / Sam's Announcement

August 24: You could argue that the definitive version of "The Invasion of the Body Snatchers" has already been made ... twice. What was it about Jack Finney's 1956 serialized novel that "Downfall" director Oliver Hirschbiegel just had to remake the story for the fourth time in 50 years? With little else tempting them at the box office, Adam and Sam went to see "The Invasion" and decided to find out. [Please insert "Don't fall asleep" joke here.]

Filmspotting has never assembled a proper Top 5 Anticipated Fall Movies list before, and maybe that's why Fall/Winter '07 struck your hosts as a particularly strong season at the cinema. So strong, in fact, that they're taking two weeks to count down the ten (or so) movies -- including Julie Taymor's "Across the Universe" (above) -- that look the most promising. This week, Adam and Sam present their individual 6-10 choices. Tune in next week to hear their Top 5.

Plus, it's that time of year again where Sam hijacks the show to announce some polarizing life decision. Last year, he got married and changed his name. This year, Sam tries to top "turning in his man card" with an even bigger announcement.

Music by Warm in the Wake courtesy of Livewire Recordings.

Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

FS #175: Rocket Science / Interview / Fall Movie Preview (Part II)

August 31: It says something about the sheer number of compelling films there are to see at Sundance that back in January Adam and Sam left Park City, UT, without seeing either Jeffrey Blitz's quirky coming-of-age tale "Rocket Science" or Steve Buscemi's remake of the late Danish director Theo Van Gogh's critique of media and celebrity, "Interview." Blitz had previously directed the Oscar-nominated Spelling Bee doc "Spellbound," which was Sam's 'secret' favorite film of 2002; and Buscemi is, well, Steve Buscemi, one of the most respected actors in independent film. Without a mountain high -- or film fest burnout -- to alter their perceptions, do Adam and Sam think either film deserves its Sundance reputation? Also on the show: Massacre Theatre, Listener Feedback and Part II of Filmspotting's Top 5 Most Anticipated Fall Movies. Music by Danbert Nobacon courtesy of Bloodshot Records. Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

FS #176: Shoot 'Em Up / Top 5 Farewells

September 7: The movie gods and Fate herself conspired to release Michael Davis's action movie/action movie send-up "Shoot 'Em Up" just in time for Sam's retirement from Filmspotting. Co-starring two of Filmspotting's favorite actors (Paul Giamatti as super-villain and Clive Owen as the film's indestructible super hero), the movie was impossible to ignore (impossible, that is, if you don't count the circumstances that kept Adam and Sam from screenings to this weekend's even more compelling release, "3:10 To Yuma" with Christian Bale and Russell Crowe). "Shoot 'Em Up" also promised loud, stupid bloodshed and depictions of women as victims and sex objects (just a couple of Sam's hot buttons). Could Giamatti and Owen redeem the movie's immodest ambitions? Or would Adam and Sam have one last row for old time's sake? Also on the show: A very special, "earmuffs" edition of Massacre Theatre and, in honor of Sam's last show, the Top 5 Movie Farewells. Music by Spoon courtesy of Merge Records. Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

Top 5:
Adam: 1. Shane 2. The Wizard of Oz 3. E.T. 4. Before Sunset 5. Network

Sam: 1. Pride of the Yankees 2. Harold & Maude 3. True Romance 4. Terms of Endearment 5. E.T.


Toronto Dispatch #2: Atonement, My Winnipeg, No Country For Old Men

Days 3 and 4 of the Toronto Film Festival are in the books, and Filmspotting has conquered a combined 17 more films. Adam was mesmerized by Joe Wright's "Atonement" (pictured) and Guy Maddin's hypnotic tribute to his hometown, "My Winnipeg" ... Matty finally found TIFF salvation thanks to the Coen Bros. and "No Country For Old Men." Have a comment you'd like to share? Send an e-mail or short mp3 clip to feedback@filmspotting.net. Or give us a call at 206-203-CINE and leave a voice message.

Toronto Interview: Sam Riley ("Control")

Adam sits down with Sam Riley, who portrays enigmatic Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis in the new film "Control." Check out the movie's official site here. Have a comment you'd like to share? Send an e-mail or short mp3 clip to feedback@filmspotting.net. Or give us a call at 206-203-CINE and leave a voice message.

FS #177: Toronto Top 5 / Eastern Promises / Guy Maddin / The King of Kong

September 14: When we last left Adam and Matty in Toronto, the fledgling duo seemed all hugs and kisses with few disagreements to mar their burgeoning relationship. Would their discussion of David Cronenberg's new Russian mob thriller "Eastern Promises," starring Viggo Mortensen and Naomi Watts, further cement their lovefest, or would the gloves finally come off? Also on this Toronto Film Fest edition: A conversation with visionary Canadian filmmaker Guy Maddin, whose new film "My Winnipeg" could command a strong position on Filmspotting's Top 5 Toronto Film Fest Movies countdown. In addition, the boys find time to confront their own dangerous obsessions with a review of "The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters." Seth Gordon's documentary (currently playing to great critical and audience acclaim) examines the esoteric world of classic arcade gamers and, specifically, the epic clash between Billy Mitchell and Steve Wiebe for Donkey Kong supremacy. Music by The Arcade Fire courtesy of Merge Records Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

FS #178: Across The Universe / In the Valley of Elah / Top 5 Overrated Directors

September 21: I am here as you are here as you are me and we are all together... well, Adam and Matty are together anyway in their disappointment with Julie Taymor's "Across The Universe," which attempts to tell the story of the turbulent '60s through the songs of the Fab Four. "And Adam and Matty took from their mic bag a rock..." Plus, your hosts dare to do battle with Paul Haggis's latest Oscar-bait, "In the Valley of Elah," a true crime murder mystery that examines the effects of war on returning soldiers and their families. Also on the show: Massacre Theatre and our Top 5 Overrated Directors. Music by Ha Ha Tonka courtesy of Bloodshot Records Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

FS #179: Into the Wild / Smiles of a Summer Night / Top 5 Senior Citizen Performances

September 28: Adam and Matty review Sean Penn's latest film as writer/director, "Into the Wild" ... Plus, Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, the first movie in our Ingmar Bergman Marathon -- Smiles of a Summer Night" -- and our Top 5 Senior Citizens On Screen, in honor of Hal Holbrook's performance in "Into the Wild." Music by Bottle Rockets courtesy of Bloodshot Records Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

Top 5:
Adam: 1. Peter Finch, Network 2. Jack Lemmon, Glengarry Glen Ross 3. Victor Sjostrom, WIld Strawberries 4. Ruth Gordon, Rosemary's Baby / Harold & Maude 5. Richard Farnsworth, The Straight Story

Matty: 1. K. Hepburn / H. Fonda, On Golden Pond 2. Jessica Tandy, Driving Miss Daisy 3. Lee Strasberg, Godfather II 4. L. Olivier, Marathon Man / Boys From Brazil 5. Lillian Gish, The Whales of August


FS #180: The Assassination of Jesse James / 3:10 To Yuma / Lust, Caution / Top 5 Movies About Brothers

October 5: Two movies ride into this week's Filmspotting... will only one ride out? The boys shoot up "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford," starring Casey Affleck and Brad Pitt, and "3:10 To Yuma" -- James Mangold's remake of the 1957 Western. Also on the show, a review of Ang Lee's new erotic thriller "Lust, Caution" with the venerable Tony Leung, and Adam shares some quick thoughts on the documentary "My Kid Could Paint That." Plus, Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and our Top 5 Movies About Brothers -- a tie-in with "The Darjeeling Limited," which will be reviewed next week. Music by Waco Brothers courtesy of Bloodshot Records Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

Top 5:
Adam: 1. Ran 2. On The Waterfront 3. The Proposition 4. Dead Ringers 5. Vincent and Theo

Sam: 1. On The Waterfront 2. The Lion In Winter 3. The Wind That Shakes The Barley 4. Ran 5. Boyz 'N the Hood


FS #181: The Darjeeling Limited / Michael Clayton / CIFF / Top 5 Chicago Movies

October 12 (Chicago Public Radio): Our kind of town, Chicago is... Filmspotting covers the 43rd Annual Chicago International Film Festival, including quick reviews of the new Tony Gilroy thriller "Michael Clayton" and the fest's closing night film "The Savages." Plus, Jake and Elwood... er, Adam and Matty... reveal their Top 5 (or 10) Chicago Movies -- films set and shot in the Windy City ... The show kicks off with your hosts on a spiritual quest to India via Wes Anderson's "The Darjeeling Limited." New music by Deadstring Brothers courtesy of Bloodshot Records Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!


Top 5:
Joint 'Obvious': 1. Ferris Bueller's Day Off 2. The Blues Brothers 3. High Fidelity 4. The Untouchables 5. The Fugitive

Joint 'Overlooked': 1. Call Northside 777 2. Medium Cool 3. Thief 4. Raisin in the Sun 5. Hoop Dreams


FS #182: Anderson-Schwartzman Interview / We Own The Night / Top 5 Musicians Turned Actors

October 19: On this week's show... Adam (ever the good son) and Matty (always the black sheep) discuss "We Own The Night," James Gray's new archetypal brothers/cop drama starring Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Wahlberg and Robert Duvall ... Plus, a week after reviewing "The Darjeeling Limited," Adam sits down with the film's co-writer/director Wes Anderson (below) and co-writer/star Jason Schwartzman. Also on the show: In honor of the former Mr. Marky Mark, Adam and Matty count down their Top 5 Performances by Musicians Turned Actors ... And Filmspotting contributor Carrie Shepherd shares her thoughts on one of the standout films from the 2007 Chicago International Film Festival -- Julian Schnabel's "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly." New music by Scotland Yard Gospel Choir courtesy of Bloodshot Records. Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

Top 5:
Adam: 1. Kris Kristofferson, Lone Star / Pat Garrett and... 2. Frank Sinatra, The Man with the Golden Arm 3. Tom Waits, Down by Law 4. Dwight Yoakam, Panic Room / Sling Blade 5. Levon Helm, Coal Miner's Daughter

Matty: 1. Bing Crosby, The Country Girl 2. Jason Schwartzman, Rushmore 3. Will Smith, Ali 4. Jimmy Cliff, The Harder They Come 5. Will Oldham, Old Joy


FS #183: Gone Baby Gone / Rendition / Top 5 Actor-Turned-Director Debuts

October 26: On this week's show... Matty and Adam dissect actor-turned-tabloid-celeb-turned-director Ben Affleck's directorial debut "Gone Baby Gone" -- starring brother Casey, Ed Harris and Morgan Freeman in an adaptation of Dennis Lehane's detective novel. Does "Gone" show promise for the budding auteur, or should Affleck stick to being Mr. Jennifer Garner? Also, because he didn't find it mind-numbingly bad, Matty defends Gavin Hood's latest political treatise "Rendition" from Adam's wrath. Or does he? The most convoluted film critique ever. Right here. On Filmspotting ... Plus, Massacre Theatre, Listener Feedback and -- in honor of Mr. Affleck's achievement -- our Top 5 Actor-Turned-Director Debuts. Music by Utah Carol. Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

FS #184: American Gangster / The Seventh Seal / Top 5 'Me Decade' Movies

Nov 2: On this week's show... Adam and Matty spend about as much time together on screen in "American Gangster," Ridley Scott's quasi-epic crime tale of real-life Harlem kingpin Frank Lucas, as stars Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe do. Are the individual charms of these two Hollywood heavyweights enough to carry the film, or is "Gangster" mostly another Scott experiment in style over substance? Also on the show: the Ingmar Bergman Marathon returns... with a scythe. Filmspotting sits down with Death for a friendly little game of chess and a discussion of the 1957 classic "The Seventh Seal." Plus, a So-Cal Tribute edition of Massacre Theatre, Listener Feedback and -- tying in with "American Gangster" -- our Top 5 'Me Decade' Movies... films about the 1970s but not shot in the '70s. Music by Johnny Society courtesy of Messenger Records. Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

FS #185: No Country For Old Men / Josh Brolin Interview / Top 5 Coen Bros. Scenes

Nov 9: This week... Filmspotting abides. It's a special Coen Brothers Edition of the show as the boys review Joel and Ethan's new thriller "No Country For Old Men," based on the Cormac McCarthy novel and starring Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, and a terrifying Javier Bardem. Plus, Adam sits down with the former Goonie himself, Mr. Brolin, for a conversation covering his 'breakout' year, his doomed Tarantino-directed "No Country" audition tape and more. Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and our Top 5 Coen Brothers Scenes. "Ya sure, you betcha." Music by Alejandro Escovedo courtesy of Bloodshot Records. Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

Top 5:
Adam: 1. Raising Arizona, Diaper robbery 2. Miller's Crossing, Look into your heart 3. Blood Simple, End sequence 4. The Big Lebowski, Limousine 5. Fargo, Mike Yanagita

Matty: 1. Miller's Crossing, Danny Boy assassination try 2. No Country For..., Eagles Nest Hote 3. Raising Arizona, Diaper robbery 4. Fargo, Opening/closing scenes 5. Blood Simple, End sequence


FS #186: Southland Tales / Wild Strawberries / Top 5 Time Travel Movies

Nov 16: This week your hosts travel to the apocalyptic near-future with lunchbox idols Justin Timberlake, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as they review Richard Kelly's long-awaited "Southland Tales." Plus, get the tissues and call your therapist, the Ingmar Bergman Marathon continues with a review of "Wild Strawberries" (1957). Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and -- Great Scott! -- our Top 5 Time Travel Movies. Music by The Essex Green courtesy of Merge Records. Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

Top 5:
Adam: 1. Terminator I / T2 2. Donnie Darko 3. Primer 4. The Final Countdown / Peggy Sue Got Married 5. Planet of the Apes ('68)

Matty: 1. Terminator 2 2. Back to the Future 3. Time Bandits 4. Time After Time 5. The Final Countdown


FS #187: I'm Not There / Todd Haynes Interview / Beowulf

November 21: Jewels and binoculars hang from the heads of Matty and Adam in this week's abbreviated Thanksgiving edition of Filmspotting as they spend a few minues discussing the new 3D animated "Beowulf," and then parse through the new avant garde Bob Dylan biopic "I'm Not There." Plus, Adam sits down with "I'm Not There" writer/director Todd Haynes to find out which Dylan album is his favorite and why he envisioned a woman portraying the newly-electrified, mid-60s version of the singer/songwriter. Music by Dan Bern courtesy of Messenger Records Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

FS #188: Margot at the Wedding / The Mist / Top 5 DVDs of 2007

November 30: This week on the show... Adam and Matty crash writer/director Noah Baumbach's latest dysfunctional family throwdown "Margot at the Wedding," starring Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Jack Black... ...and venture out into "The Mist" for a review of the latest Stephen King adaptation from writer/director Frank Darabont. Plus, Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and -- just in time for the holiday season -- Filmspotting's Top 5 DVDs of 2007. Music by Calexico courtesy of Touch and Go Records Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

Top 5:
Adam: 1. Rio Bravo (Two-Disc) 2. Days of Heaven - Criterion 3. Death Proof– Ext. and Unrated 4. Knocked Up – Ext. and Unrated 5. Shortbus (Unrated Edition)

Matty: 1. SNL: Season Two 2. Revenge of the Nerds: Panty Raid Edition 3. Blade Runner: The Final Cut 4. Under the Volcano - Criterion 5. Caligula: Imperial Edition

Boxed Sets: 1. Twin Peaks: Gold Box Ed. 2. Viva Pedro - Almodovar Coll. 3. Stanley Kubrick - Warner Directors Series 4. Sergio Leone Anthology 5. Blade Runner: The Final Cut

FS #189: Atonement / Top 5 Supporting Performances of 2007

December 7: Director Joe Wright's adaptation of Ian McEwan's acclaimed 2001 novel "Atonement" is garnering a lot of critical buzz. Will Adam be too distracted by the presence of his man-crush James McAvoy to recognize Wright's technical brilliance? Can Matty look past his aversion to most things described as "sweeping" and "British?" Plus, Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and Filmspotting's Top 5 Supporting Performances of 2007. Music by Kelly Hogan courtesy of Bloodshot Records. Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

Top 5:
Adam: 1. Javier Bardem, No Country For Old Men; Cate Blanchett, I'm Not There 2. Kurt Russell, Death Proof; Marie-Josée Croze, Diving Bell...Butterfly 3. Irrfan Khan, The Namesake; Tabu, The Namesake 4. Hal Holbrook, Into the Wild; Amy Ryan, Gone Baby Gone 5. Ben Foster, 3:10 To Yuma; Lauren Ambrose, Starting Out in the Evening

Matty: 1. Javier Bardem, No Country... ; Cate Blanchett, I'm Not There 2. J.K. Simmons, Juno; Allison Janney, Juno 3. Toby Kebbell, Control; Samantha Morton, Control 4. P. Schneider / G. Dillahunt, Assass. of Jesse James; Charlotte Gainsbourgh, I'm Not There 5. Gene Jones, No Country For...; Jill Quigg, Gone Baby Gone


FS #190: I Am Legend / Juno / Page-Cody Interview / Top 5 Lead Performances of 2007

December 14: This week, Adam and Matty are on full quirk alert for a discussion of Jason Reitman's ("Thank You For Smoking") breakout Toronto Film Festival comedy, "Juno." Plus, Adam sits down for a little girl talk with Ellen Page and Diablo Cody, "Juno's" talented star and screenwriter, respectively. Also on the show: a review of the latest Will Smith vs. the World epic, "I Am Legend," Massacre Theatre and the Top 5 Lead Performances of 2007. Music by Exit Clov courtesy of Livewire Recordings. Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

Top 5:
Adam: 1. Ellen Page, Juno; Frank Langella, Starting Out in the Evening 2. Tang Wei, Lust, Caution; Samuel L. Jackson, Black Snake Moan 3. Keri Russell, Waitress; Tim Roth, Youth Without Youth 4. Julie Christie, Away from Her; Josh Brolin, No Country for Old Men 5. Christina Ricci, Black Snake Moan; Gordon Pinsent, Away From Her

Matty: 1. Ellen Page, Juno; Gordon Pinsent, Away From Her 2. Tang Wei, Lust, Caution; Rolf Lassgård, After the Wedding 3. Julie Christie, Away from Her; Richard Gere in The Hoax 4. Sidse Babett Knudsen, After the Wedding; Ulrich Mühe, The Lives of Others 5. Nikki Blonsky, Hairspray; Honorable Mentions, P. Brosnan (Seraphim)


FS #191: Top 10 Movies of 2007 / Charlie Wilson's War / Sweeney Todd / Youth Without Youth

December 21: Break out the Guy Lombardo, put on your tackiest Christmas sweater, grab a steaming hot cup of Ovaltine, and curl on up to the family PC as Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips joins Adam and Matty in sweeping out the year with Filmspotting's Top 10 Movies of 2007. The jam-packed Filmspotting Holiday Spectacular also offers quick reviews of "Charlie Wilson's War," the Tim Burton-Johnny Depp collaboration "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" and Francis Ford Coppola's "Youth Without Youth." Plus, guest voicemailers Rian Johnson ("Brick"), Sam Van Hallgren and other friends of the show chime in with their top film-going experiences of the year. There's even a Yule-tide edition of Massacre Theatre... and an interpretive ice duet between Adam and Oksana Baiul. Happy Holidays to you and yours! Music by Martin Sexton courtesy of Kitchen Table Records. Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Sign up for free and discuss this episode!

Top 5:
Adam: 1. No Country for Old Men 2. Atonement 3. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly 4. Zodiac 5. Juno 6. There Will Be Blood 7. Once 8. The Bourne Ultimatum 9. Death Proof 10. The King of Kong

Matty: 1. The Wind That Shakes the Barley 2. No Country for Old Men 3. Juno 4. This Is England 5. After the Wedding 6. The Lives of Others 7. Once 8. Into the Wild 9. The Namesake 10. Away From Her


FS #192: The Orphanage / Walk Hard / 2007 Top 5 Blowout

January 4: This week, Adam and Matty top off 2007 with a potpourri of Top 5 lists, including Worst Movies of the Year, Most Annoying Performances, Best/Worst Date Movies and more. Also, Matty admits to being a bit of a fraidy-cat when it comes to scary movies, so Adam holds his hand during their discussion of the latest Spanish ghost thriller, "The Orphanage," directed by first-timer J.A. Bayona and 'presented by' Guillermo del Toro. Plus, the guys find time to "Walk Hard" with John C. Reilly for a review of Jake Kasdan and Judd Apatow's music biopic spoof. Music by Chuck Prophet from the new album Soap and Water. Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. In January, spout.com will present BUTTERKNIFE, a new generation detective series made by a new generation of filmmakers. Find out more at butterknife.spout.com.

Worst of the Year
Adam: 1. Hounddog 2. Pirates of the Caribbean 3 3. Year of the Dog 4. Transformers

Matty: 1. Smokin' Aces 2. Across the Universe 3. Goya's Ghosts 4. Fracture 5. Transformers

Overrated:
Adam: 1. The Savages 2. The Host 3. Michael Clayton 4. Ratatouille 5. Sweeney Todd

Matty: 1. The Savages 2. The Host 3. Black Snake Moan

Underrated:
Adam: 1. Black Snake Moan 2. Sunshine 3. Youth Without Youth 4. The Mist 5. Shoot 'Em Up

Matty: 1. The Italian 2. Breach 3. The Hoax 4. Color Me Kubrick

Discoveries/Surprises:
Adam: 1. Marie-Josée Croze, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly 2. Amy Ryan, Gone Baby Gone 3. J.C. Fresnadillo, 28 Weeks Later 4. A. Wagner, Starting Out in the Evening 5. C. Mungiu, 4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days 6. Shane Meadows, This is England 7. Irrfan Khan, The Namesake 8. Gordon Pinsent, Away from Her

Matty: 1. Sarah Polley, Away from Her 2. Michael Moore, Sicko 3. Susanne Bier, After the Wedding 4. Diablo Cody, Juno 5. Shane Meadows, This is England

Disappointments:
Adam: 1. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead 2. Across the Universe 3. Fracture 4. Redacted 5. American Gangster

Matty: 1. The Darjeeling Limited 2. Bee Movie 3. The Assassination of Jesse - James... 4. Music and Lyrics

Best Documentaries:
Adam: 1. The King of Kong 2. Lake of Fire 3. Sicko / No End in Sight 4. Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten 5. My Kid Could Paint That

Matty: 1. The King of Kong 2. Lake of Fire 3. Air Guitar Nation 4. An Unreasonable Man 5. In the Shadow of the Moon

Most Annoying Performances:
Adam: 1. Joaquin Phoenix, We Own the Night 2. Ethan Hawke, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead 3. Laura Linney, The Savages 4. Jake Gyllenhaal / Reese Witherspoon, Rendition 5. Roger Bart, American Gangster / Jordan Ladd, Death Proof

Matty: 1. The entire cast of Southland Tales 2. John Travolta, Hairspray 3. Topher Grace, Spider-Man 3 4. Jonah Hill, Walk Hard

Best Date Movies:
Adam: 1. Once 2. Atonement 3. Juno 4. Waitress 5. Stardust

Matty: 1. Dan in Real Life 2. Once 3. Jane Austen Book Club 4. Starter for 10 5. I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With


FS #193: There Will Be Blood / The Bucket List / Top 5 Most Anticipated Movies of 2008

January 11: Daniel Day-Lewis' "Milkshake" brings all the Filmspotting boys to the yard as Adam and Matty finally get a chance to discuss Paul Thomas Anderson's latest epic "There Will Be Blood." Adam ranked "Blood" as one of the best films of 2007 ... Would it have found its way onto Matty's Top 10 list as well? Your hosts also find time to check in on Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson in the Rob Reiner-directed buddy movie "The Bucket List." Plus, Massacre Theatre, Listener Feedback and our Top 5 Most Anticipated Movies of 2008. Music by Biirdie from the album "Catherine Wheel" courtesy of Everloving Records. Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. In January, spout.com will present BUTTERKNIFE, a new generation detective series made by a new generation of filmmakers. Find out more at butterknife.spout.com. ...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store!

Top 5:
Adam: 1. 2. The Dark Knight / Iron Man / Incredible Hulk 3. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button / The Brothers Bloom 4. My Blueberry Knights / The International 5. Star Trek / Bond 22

Matty: 1. Burn After Reading / Zach and Mimi Make a PornoThe Curious Case of Benjamin Button 2. Valkyrie 3. Burn After Reading 4. Hellboy II 5. The Day the Earth Stood Still


FS #194: Cloverfield / Michael Stahl-David / 2008 Sundance Film Festival Preview

January 18: On this week's show... will Adam and Matty run screaming from or screaming to producer J.J. Abrams' Godzilla-meets-Blair Witch monster movie "Cloverfield?" Plus, Adam talks with "Cloverfield" star and Chicago native Michael Stahl-David about auditioning without a script, acting for the first person camera and more. Also on the show: Massacre Theatre, Listener Feedback and our Top 5 Most Anticipated 2008 Sundance Film Festival Movies. Music by Spoon courtesy of Merge Records. Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. In January, spout.com will present BUTTERKNIFE, a new generation detective series made by a new generation of filmmakers. Find out more at butterknife.spout.com. ...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store! ...And by Audible.com. Download a free audiobook of your choice today at audiblepodcast.com/filmspotting.