Best Snobs And A Critic Podcasts (2024)

1
Box Office Wreckage 1:22:37

1d ago1:22:37

1:22:37

With cinema attendance down this year, we look at this in the context of the box office disappointment of FURIOSA and what it could mean for the future of movie-going. Then we review BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE. And when are content warnings spoilers? Plus, Serena just SAW THE TV GLOW, too.By Mark Palermo, Serena Whitney

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Tea or Books? #128: Do We Read Plays? and Fifty Sounds vs The Housekeeper and the Professor

4h ago

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Polly Barton, Yoko Ogawa, and plays – welcome to episode 128! https://www.stuckinabook.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/tea-or-books-128.mp3 In the first half of today’s ‘Tea or Books?’ episode, Rachel and I revisit a topic from years ago – plays! Specifically, do we think that plays should be read on the page, as well as seen on the stage. In the se…

1
'99 Percent 1:32:22

8d ago1:32:22

1:32:22

1999 is often mentioned as the last great movie year, but what was really different about it? Serena and Mark address the issue and discuss some of their favourite movies from that year. They then talk CHALLENGERS, THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 1 and I SAW THE TV GLOW. Plus, all the BUFFY referenced you can stand!…

1
Acting Chops with Walter Perez 1:20:11

1M ago1:20:11

1:20:11

We're thrilled to be joined by actor Walter Perez (Detention, Fame, Bodied, TV's Fatal Attraction and Quantum Leap) to talk about the state of the industry, his screen inspirations growing up, and being seen as "nice" in a cruel world. Walter and Mark also reminisce on the Detention production. Also, Baby Reindeer.…

1
Trailer Trash with Nathan Boone 1:34:56

1M ago1:34:56

1:34:56

Movie trailers, what's with them? Returning guest and the Revue Cinema's trailer creator and curator Nathan Boone joins us to talk about their art and evolution. Which ones have stuck with us though the years, and what trends do we like and despise in them now?By Mark Palermo, Serena Whitney

1
Tea or Books? #127: Do We Have Guilty Pleasures? and A Clergyman’s Daughter vs The Vicar’s Daughter

2M ago

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George Orwell, E.H. Young, guilty pleasures – welcome to episode 127! https://www.stuckinabook.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tea-or-books-127.mp3 In the first half of the episode, we ask: what is our guiltiest reading pleasure? Has that changed over time? Do we feel guilty about anything connected with reading? In the second half, we compare two s…

1
Bradaptations with Brad Kane 1:04:16

2M ago1:04:16

1:04:16

We’re thrilled to be joined by Brad Kane, superstar producer and writer (TOKYO VICE, WARRIOR, WELCOME TO DERRY) and former actor (BUFFY, STARSHIP TROOPERS, the f’in singing voice of ALADDIN!) to discuss adapting novels for movies and TV. We talk about our faves, geek out on our top Stephen King adaptations and formative horror films.…

1
The Unkillable '80s with Kevin Hartford 1:20:06

2M ago1:20:06

1:20:06

We're excited to be joined by filmmaker Kevin Hartford to talk about how '80s nostalgia just won't die, as we review the reanimated '80s properties GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE and ROAD HOUSE. And we have some disagreements! Plus, Serena's struggle with "Movie Karens."By Mark Palermo, Serena Whitney

1
TikTok Ya Might Stop 1:18:28

3M ago1:18:28

1:18:28

With the potential banning of TikTok, we look at what the popular app meant for filmmaking, its associated societal threats, and reminisce on a world without social media. Also, LOVE LIES BLEEDING and Neve Campbell joins the SCREAM 7 saga.By Mark Palermo, Serena Whitney

1
Tea or Books? #126: Should Books Be Banned? and Lessons in Chemistry vs Dear Mrs Bird

3M ago

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Banned books, Bonnie Garmus and A.J. Pearce – welcome to episode 126! https://www.stuckinabook.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/tea-or-books-126.mp3 In the first half of the episode, we discuss banned books – should books ever be banned? Does a book being banned make us want to read it more? In the second half, we pit two recent novels set in the mid…

1
Snob Hunt 1:29:52

3M ago1:29:52

1:29:52

What makes a movie snob in this media-secular world? We look at what's behind preferences for movies shot and projected on film vs. digital even when those old 35mm prints are turning pink. Also, what's behind the trend of movies shot in 4:3 ratios? Thoughts about rebooting THE CROW. Various Halloween sequels. A bit on JLo. A bit on DUNE PART II. I…

1
In a Violent Podcast with Chris Nash 1:30:44

4M ago1:30:44

1:30:44

Filmmaker Chris Nash joins us to discuss his experimental festival-hit slasher IN A VIOLENT NATURE, coming soon to Shudder. We talk about the strengths of practical and CG effects. And because nothing slips by us, we all review the new Jennifer Lopez VFX-heavy visual album THIS IS ME... NOW.By Mark Palermo, Serena Whitney

1
Tea or Books? #125: Do We Read Celeb Memoirs? and Day vs Landscape in Sunlight

4M ago

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Celeb memoirs, Michael Cunningham, Elizabeth Fair – welcome to episode 125! https://www.stuckinabook.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/tea-or-books-125.mp3 In the first half, Rachel and I discuss celebrity memoirs – do we read them? What do we count as a celebrity memoir? In the second half, we each chose one of the other’s favourite 2023 reads – Day …

1
Drama Screens 1:21:33

4M ago1:21:33

1:21:33

Serena and Mark talk about repertory programming drama, competition, clout, and how to avoid all those things. Plus, the BARBIE Oscar controversy, Melissa Barrera faces more punishment for not wanting civilians to die, the passing of Carl Weathers, and the upcoming BEETLEJUICE sequel.By Mark Palermo, Serena Whitney

1
MOVIES AND HIP-HOP (the BREAKIN' films) with Outlaw Vern 1:18:16

5M ago1:18:16

1:18:16

In this lively convo, we're joined by critic and scholar of ass-kicking films Outlaw Vern to talk the 1984 Cannon Films landmarks BREAKIN' and BREAKIN' 2: ELECTRIC BOOGALOO. We also get into the relationship of hip-hop and movies, the rap soundtracks that first impacted us, and much more.By Mark Palermo, Serena Whitney

1
2024: Across the Movie-Verse 1:14:40

5M ago1:14:40

1:14:40

Happy New Year (can we still say so?)! It's our Season 2 premiere, and we pick our best and worst films of 2023, talk about our fave screenings that we hosted, and look forward to the film year ahead. Plus, Mark is finally optimistic about the future of cinema. All the character development a podcast can hold!…

1
Tea or Books? #124: Our Favourite Reads of 2023

5M ago

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Our favourite books from 2023 – or reads, because of course we mostly read ‘backlisted’ titles. Always a fun one to record – this time with the added bonus that we were each going to choose one from the other’s list to read for the next episode. https://www.stuckinabook.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/tea-or-books-124.mp3 Some of our Patreon patrons…

1
MOVIES AND CHRISTMAS with Loretta Yu and Ryan Jackson 1:13:43

6M ago1:13:43

1:13:43

It's the holidays, and actor Loretta Yu (Moonshine) and screenwriter/podcaster Ryan Jackson (Mutual Aberration Society) join the pod to discuss their thoughts on Christmas movies. We take a look at the teen slasher It's a Wonderful Knife and the bizarre Canadian children's film The Christmas Martian. Plus, the influence of Detention, and the expect…

1
Holiday Special: Elf 36:26

6M ago36:26

36:26

It’s a special holiday episode! We’re deviating from our usual chronology to talk about Jon Favreau’s 2003 Christmas classic, Elf, starring Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel, and James Caan. And it turns out that neither of us had ever seen this movie before this week. Plus: Ferris Bueller, overripe fruit, and “cross-hatched” dreams. LINKS: Trailer for…

1
Tea or Books? #123: Critical or Charitable Reading? and Sheep’s Clothing vs Harriet Said…

6M ago

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Beryl Bainbridge, Celia Dale, critical and charitable reading – welcome to episode 123! https://www.stuckinabook.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/tea-or-books-123.mp3 In the first half of the episode we use a suggestion from Susannah – do we read charitably or critically? In the second half we compare too rather dark novels – Sheep’s Clothing by Celi…

1
1982: Fanny and Alexander 41:41

6M ago41:41

41:41

This week we close out Season One of the podcast with a conversation about Ingmar Bergman’s family epic Fanny and Alexander, starring Bertil Guve, Ewa Fröling, and Jan Malmsjö. Plus: wind chimes, bookstore etiquette, and Gloomhaven. LINKS: Trailer for Fanny and Alexander Art Garfunkel in the studio Chevy Chase can't get left, from European Vacation…

1
1981: Thief 39:03

6M ago39:03

39:03

This week we discuss Michael Mann’s gritty debut feature, Thief, starring James Caan and Tuesday Weld. Plus: spa treatments, house cats, and Pink Floyd knockoffs. LINKS: Trailer for Thief The VEMI treatment Steve Martin makes coffee in Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid The end of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” (starting at 4:20) “Confrontation”, the final…

1
1980: The Elephant Man 38:51

6M ago38:51

38:51

This week we explore David Lynch’s black-and-white period drama The Elephant Man, starring Anthony Hopkins, John Hurt, and Anne Bancroft. Plus: Just how bad was James’s first screenplay? LINKS: Trailer for The Elephant Man Michael Jackson bids for Merrick's bones Three pages from The Mourning Cloak (1999)…

1
1979: Being There and Life of Brian 40:29

6M ago40:29

40:29

This week we tackle two movies. Hal Ashby’s American satire Being There, starring Peter Sellers; and Terry Jones’s biblical spoof Monty Python’s Life of Brian, starring the Pythons. Plus: blooper reels, the death of Black Panther, and the apparently ambiguous ending of Planet of the Apes. LINKS: Trailer for Being There Trailer for Monty Python's Li…

1
1978: Days of Heaven 36:58

6M ago36:58

36:58

This week we discuss Terence Malick’s luminous period drama Days of Heaven, starring Richard Gere, Brooke Adams, and Sam Shepard. Plus: Virgil’s Eclogues, group dynamics, and the Identified Patient. LINKS: Trailer for Days of Heaven Steve Coogan's impression of Richard Gere (from The Trip) The "identified patient"…

1
1977: Stroszek 38:44

6M ago38:44

38:44

This week we discuss Werner Herzog’s black comedy Stroszek, starring Bruno S, Eva Mattes, and Clemens Scheitz. Plus: Sam has a martini with Dianne Wiest. LINKS: Trailer for Stroszek Thieves stealing the "cat" Afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason The afternoon tea menu

1
1976: Rocky 38:07

6M ago38:07

38:07

This week we discuss John Avildsen’s rousing and immortal Rocky, starring Sylvester Stallone and Talia Shire. Plus: Real tennis, a dead car battery, and the time Sam’s parents met Mike Tyson. LINKS: Trailer for Rocky The LOKITHOR car charger Charlie Chaplin boxing in City Lights Real tennis

1
1975: The Passenger 36:49

6M ago36:49

36:49

This week we talk about Michelangelo Antonioni's existentialist thriller The Passenger, starring Jack Nicholson and Maria Schneider. Plus: What George Plimpton found at the top of the Brooklyn Bridge. LINKS: Trailer for The Passenger The Weather Channel explains "wintry mix" Trailer for Flesh Gordon (1974; NSFW)…

1
1974: The Last Detail 34:02

6M ago34:02

34:02

This week we talk about Hal Ashby's road movie The Last Detail, starring Jack Nicholson, Otis Young, and Randy Quaid. Plus: James shares a bedroom with Sam's parents. LINKS: Trailer for The Last Detail "The Man Who Never Heard of Frank Sinatra" Trailer for Flash Gordon (1980)By James Lavino & Sam Neave

1
1973: Don't Look Now 34:07

6M ago34:07

34:07

At Sam's suggestion, James starts his journey with Nicolas Roeg's 1973 horror-thriller Don't Look Now, starring Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie. Plus, penalty kicks, second sight, and why not to keep loaded guns in the house. LINKS: Trailer for Don't Look Now Harry Kane misses World-Cup penalty Marquinhos's reaction after he misses his penalty…

1
Series Intro 12:31

6M ago12:31

12:31

James accepts that it's time to overcome his fears and watch some movies, but he'll need some guidance. Sam, stuck in his car thanks to New York's alternate-side-parking regulations, is only too happy to oblige. LINKS: NYC alternate side parking rules Martin Scorsese’s thoughts on TárBy James Lavino & Sam Neave

1
Napoleon Barrera 58:38

7M ago58:38

58:38

We talk about Melissa Barrera getting fired from Scream 7 over her pro-Palestine comments, censorship, conformity, and the age of policing what celebrities say. Then we review Thanksgiving, Napoleon, Five Nights at Freddy's and Leave the World Behind.By Mark Palermo, Serena Whitney

1
Tea or Books? #122: Mary Lawson novels w/ Mary Lawson!

7M ago

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Mary Lawson joins us to talk about all her novels – welcome to episode 122! https://www.stuckinabook.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/tea-or-books-122-mary-lawson.mp3 I can’t quite believe I’m writing this, but THE Mary Lawson – Canadian author of Crow Lake, The Other Side of the Bridge, Road Ends, and A Town Called Solace – joins us in this episode …

1
Physical Media and the Vinegar Syndrome with Andy Williams 1:01:30

7M ago1:01:30

1:01:30

In this lively discussion, we're joined by Andy Williams of the cult genre film distributor Vinegar Syndrome to talk the importance of holding onto your DVDs and blu-rays. We also nerd out on specific Vinegar Syndrome titles, and ask what's going to save movies in the age when everything's "content."…

1
Scare Tactics with Steven Landry 1:23:04

8M ago1:23:04

1:23:04

We talk about programming horror films with Steven Landry (Toronto International Film Festival, Fantastic Film Festival, Nightmare Alley), including discussions on When Evil Lurks and Terrifier, and what feels like a new age of Extreeeeme Horror. Plus, thoughts on the Fast and the Furious franchise, and a mini argument on Suspiria that Mark regrets…

1
Horror Movies and Chaos 1:07:45

8M ago1:07:45

1:07:45

It’s scary movie season, so Mark and Serena riff on doing the 31 Days of Halloween thing, what they consider the appeal of horror, our fave movies to watch this time of year, the new Exorcist, When Evil Lurks, Totally Killer. Plus, our evolving feelings on gore in movies, the exploding penis on Gen V, etc.…

1
Tea or Books? #121: Should Books Have A Message? and Two Jane Gardam Novels

8M ago

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Jane Gardam and messages in books – welcome to episode 121! https://www.stuckinabook.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/tea-or-books-121.mp3 In the first half of the episode, Rachel and I discuss whether or not we think books should have a message. In the second half we pit two Jane Gardam novels against each other: Old Filth and the same story from an…

1
TAYLOR SWIFT/JACKIE CHAN with Chancler Haynes 1:03:33

9M ago1:03:33

1:03:33

This week we're joined by superstar film and music video editor Chancler Haynes. He talks to us about what it's like editing projects for Taylor Swift and Joseph Kahn. And then he schools us on all things Jackie Chan, as we discuss the classics Police Story and Police Story 2.By Mark Palermo, Serena Whitney

1
Movie Posters: Artworks About Artworks with Matthew Therrien 1:12:06

9M ago1:12:06

1:12:06

This is a great discussion on movie poster design, its importance, its history and its trends, with graphic designer Matthew Therrien. Matthew designed posters for Drunken Cinema events and now does cover art for blu-ray labels like Severin and Synapse. We also discuss dealing with online haters, the Russell Brand and Sam Levinson scandals and much…

1
Pitchin', Hecklin', Future Vibin' 1:05:46

10M ago1:05:46

1:05:46

First, we let you know how to pitch a successful film series at a repertory cinema. Then we talk about Harmony Korine's view that TikTok is the future of movies and his stated desire to rethink the artform, Plus, does Bottoms signal the mainstream acceptance of post-woke comedy? Finally a vital skill: dealing with hecklers.…

1
Tea or Books? #120: Travel Inspiration from Fiction or Non-Fiction? and The English Air vs The Morning Gift – with Claire / The Captive Reader

10M ago

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D.E. Stevenson, Eva Ibbotson, travel inspo – welcome to episode 120! https://www.stuckinabook.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/tea-or-books-120.mp3 We have our first returning guest – the wonderful Claire, who blogs at The Captive Reader. In the first half of this episode, we talk about inspiration from travel – do we get it from our fiction reading …

1
Scar Hopping with John Davies 1:30:29

10M ago1:30:29

1:30:29

In this super fun ep John Davies (screenwriter of Hobo with a Shotgun and Kids vs. Aliens) joins us to talk about the movie moments that scarred us as kids. Are kid movies traumatizing enough anymore? Plus, the legacy of the 2000s torture porn era on popular audiences.By Mark Palermo, Serena Whitney

1
Your #1 Dating Podcast with Lauren Messervey 1:27:56

10M ago1:27:56

1:27:56

Yes, we here at Movies and Chaos are all things! Writer and extreme cinema fan Lauren Messervey joins us to discuss dating at the movies. What are some bad date movie choices we've all made? Is movie dating even a good idea? Plus, Tarantino, Gaspar Noe, thoughts on PDA, Elon Musk, more Oppenheimer, MORE Barbie, etc.…

1
Tea or Books? #119: Amateur Sleuths or Professional Detectives? and Women Talking vs Drive Your Plow Over The Bones Of The Dead

11M ago

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Miriam Toews, Olga Tokarczuk and detective fiction – welcome to episode 119! https://www.stuckinabook.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/tea-or-books-119.mp3 In the first half of this episode, we discuss detective fiction – do we prefer the mystery-solver to be a professional or an amateur? And in the second half we compare two fairly recent novels – D…

1
Hollywood (If Holly Could) 1:01:49

11M ago1:01:49

1:01:49

Mark and Serena take a look at the Barbenheimer phenomenon saving a disastrous Summer 2023 box office. Why do Barbie and Oppenheimer feel like something new? We get into why horror films are also still playing well in theatres. Plus, our thoughts on the new Mission: Impossible, the weird phenomenon of Sound of Freedom, and many more things of stran…

1
WGA vs. Godzilla with Simon Barrett 1:25:07

11M ago1:25:07

1:25:07

This is a lively chat about the WGA Strike with Simon Barrett (the screenwriter of You're Next, The Guest and the upcoming Godzillla x Kong: The New Empire, as well as the writer-director of Seance). How are writers treated in the film industry? Should we fear the AI takeover? Auteurism, possessory credits, Indiana Jones. It's all here!…

1
Reps Present with Andy Willick 1:17:39

12M ago1:17:39

1:17:39

The battle of independent cinemas against corporate monopolies. We're joined by Andy Willick, chairperson of N.I.C.E. (Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors) and owner and programmer of the Fox, Apollo, and ByTowne cinemas for a great talk about the fight against film screening hegemony, and the pride and passion of bringing audiences the movi…

1
Tea or Books? #118: Do We Read Children and Adult Books By The Same Author? and Lucy vs The Buddha in the Attic

12M ago

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Julie Otsuka, Jamaica Kincard, adults’ and children’s books – welcome to episode 118! https://www.stuckinabook.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/tea-or-books-118.mp3 In the first half – a topic suggested by Aileen, where we discuss authors who wrote both children’s and adult’s books and whether we read both. In the second half, we compare two novellas…

1
Idol Threats with Angie Speaks 1:24:58

1y ago1:24:58

1:24:58

In this fantastic discussion, we get deep with culture/philosophy podcaster and writer Angie Speaks (Newsweek, Mystic and the Machine) to discuss puriteens, gender hostilities, and the emptiness of sexuality on screen in the context of HBO’s The Idol. Sex vs. Sexiness. Men vs. Women. Hollywood vs. Our Souls.…

1
Tea or Books? #117 w/ Lucy Scholes – Do We Like Unnamed Characters? and Ex-Wife vs Sally On The Rocks

1y ago

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Ursula Parrott, Winifred Boggs, unnamed characters – welcome to episode 117! https://www.stuckinabook.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/tea-or-books-117.mp3 We are so delighted to welcome Lucy Scholes as a guest for this episode. She’s is a reprint/old books superstar – you might know her Re-Covered column for the Paris Review, her work as Senior Edit…

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