Alex Withrow Podcasts

It's a barrel full of laughs today as Alex and Nick break down the funniest movies they’ve ever seen. The guys discuss their Top 10 Comedies, finding humor in dead-serious dramas, the death of the American comedy, Christopher McDonald, offensive humor, the official favorite comedy of What Are You Watching, and much more. Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twi…

Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” is the film Alex has seen in the movie theater the most. Ever. In this spoiler-filled bonus episode, Alex describes his obsession with “Oppenheimer” to Nick, who listens with concern. This episode will spoil “Oppenheimer.” Listen to our first review of “Oppenheimer” here! Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twitter and Instagr…

“What are we stealing?” Alex and Nick have an absolute ball watching Steven Soderbergh’s irreverent masterpiece, “Ocean’s Twelve.” Stray topics include George Clooney’s star power, Brad Pitt’s eating, Tess as Julia Roberts, Matt Damon as a buffoon, the cinematography of Peter Andrews, and so much more. As the movie nears its conclusion, Alex attemp…

Alex remembers the career of one of his favorite directors, the great William Friedkin, who died on Aug. 7, 2023 at 87 years old. Alex lists his Top 10 William Friedkin films, unloads tons of Friedkin trivia, and recalls how the director started following him on Twitter a decade ago. Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twitter and Instagram and Letterboxd. Wat…

In this loose hangout episode, Alex and friend of the pod, Dan, discuss their favorite movie together, Joe Dante’s “Gremlins 2: The New Batch.” The guys talk about movie sequels, watching Joe Dante movies high, Dick Miller, Rick Baker’s practical effects, embracing cult classic B-movies, Robert Prosky, and much more. Throughout the episode, the guy…

All hail, Barbenheimer! Alex and Nick break down how Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” and Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” came to dominate pop culture. The guys give a spoiler-free review of “Oppenheimer,” before Alex shares his thoughts on “Barbie.” Related topics include practical effects, updated Nolan rankings, and Alex describes the “Oppenheimer” scr…

With “Oppenheimer” hitting theaters today, Alex and Nick take a look at Christopher Nolan’s entire career. The guys discuss the props in “Following,” the structure of “Memento,” the editing of “Insomnia,” creative exposition in “Batman Begins”, twists in “The Prestige,” the questionable love triangle in “The Dark Knight,” and watching “Inception” o…

Three years of podcasting and 100 core episodes have led to this — a deep dive on Alex’s favorite movie of all time, Martin Scorsese’s “Taxi Driver.” Nick and Alex discuss what Scorsese, Robert De Niro, and Paul Schrader each brought to the film, Travis Bickle’s unreliable backstory, Bernard Herrmann’s score, repurposing plot points from John Ford’…

Three hours of Marty. All the movies, all the collaborators, all the stories. Stray topics include 4K set-ups, praise for "New York, New York," a shared obsession with “Casino,” Joe Pesci, Thelma Schoonmaker, Alex's favorite movie opening, and so much more. In the middle of the episode, Alex and Nick argue about the biggest movie disagreement they’…

Alex and special guest, Kat Dame (‘Two Mics, One Kat’®), break down the series finale of HBO’s “Succession.” The two discuss standout scenes from the show, all their favorite characters, predictions for each actor’s career, Brian Cox’s hilarious interviews, Jeremy Strong’s process, and much more. Later, in a rapid-fire What Are You Watching segment…

Alex and Nick list their favorite film directors of all time and pick three movies from each filmmaker to represent their work. Stray topics include: Context for the “Everybody Wants Some!!” episode, accidentally getting drunk during a commentary, and putting in the work to fight depression. Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twitter and Instagram and Letterb…

“The Deer Hunter” is the only movie Alex and Nick share in their top 10 films of all time. In this episode, the guys discuss Michael Cimino, blue-collar towns, the wedding scene, post-Vietnam America, responding to active trauma, fractured masculinity, Vilmos Zsigmond, De Niro, Walken, Cazale, Streep, and much more. Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twitter …

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MALCOLM X! Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X” is one of the best, most influential films Alex has ever seen. Nick finally watched the film and was in awe. In this episode, the guys discuss good vs. bad biopics, the beauty of 4K home media, poor public school education, racial violence in America, the 1992 Oscars (lol), Delroy Lindo, Angela Bass…

In this supersized episode, Alex and Nick break down the full career of Alex’s favorite actor of all time, Montgomery Clift. Seventeen roles, four Oscar nominations, and a lifetime of Hollywood infamy. Our previous podcast episode on "A Place in the Sun" (featuring Alex’s dad) is here. Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twitter and Instagram and Letterboxd. W…

Special guest, Dan Bracey, is back to discuss his favorite film of all time, “Back to the Future.” As Alex, Nick, and Dan dive into each film in the “Back to the Future” trilogy, topics include Dan’s obsession with Crispin Glover, Thomas F. Wilson’s role(s), Marty/Doc chemistry, time travel, sticking up for “Part III,” watching the trilogy on edibl…

If you want the ultimate, you've got to be willing to pay the ultimate price. Watch along with Alex and Nick as they discuss their favorite action film of all time, Kathryn Bigelow’s “Point Break.” Keanu, Swayze, Busey, all-timer chase scenes, classic one-liners, astounding action set pieces – this episode is by fans, for fans. Little hand says it'…

Alex discusses fainting during “John Wick: Chapter 4,” efficient emergency room visits, Keanu Reeves at the top of his game, Lance Reddick, Ian McShane, and all the best action scenes from the entire “John Wick” franchise. Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twitter and Instagram and Letterboxd. Watch Alex's films at http://alexwithrow.com/ Watch Nick's films …

Alex and Nick are joined by their friend Dan to give a spoiler-free review of “Scream VI,” directly after seeing it in the theater together. Later, the guys discuss their favorite moments from the “Scream” franchise including favorite scenes, characters, killer reveals, exposition dumps, and much more. Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twitter and Instagram …

Alex and Nick react to the 95th annual Academy Awards. Recorded just minutes after the live telecast ended, the guys talk about all of the big winners, the “All Quiet” wave, “Everything Everywhere” dominance, "Elvis" losing out, Brendan fuckin’ Fraser, Hugh Grant as an all-timer presenter, and much more. Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twitter and Instagra…

Alex and Nick break down every category for the upcoming Oscars. Narratives include: Can anything beat “Everything Everywhere All At Once”?, Cate Blanchett vs. Michelle Yeoh (vs. Instagram), Austin Butler vs. Brendan Fraser, Angela Bassett vs. Jamie Lee Curtis, a potential “Elvis” wave, and so much more. Who will win, who should win, let’s go! Foll…

Alex reviews Michael B. Jordan’s “Creed III." Later, he breaks down every boxing scene in the “Creed” franchise, discusses “Raging Bull’s” impact on the boxing genre, and lists the most realistic boxing scenes in movies. Nick is here too. Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twitter and Instagram and Letterboxd. Watch Alex's films at http://alexwithrow.com/ Wat…

Alex pays tribute to veteran character actor, Tom Sizemore, who passed away on March 3, 2023, at 61 years old. Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twitter and Instagram and Letterboxd. Watch Alex's films at http://alexwithrow.com/ Watch Nick's films at https://www.nicholasdostal.com/ Send us mailbag questions at whatareyouwatchingpodcast@gmail.com…

As Alex and Nick suit up for "Magic Mike’s Last Dance," the guys discuss Steven Soderbergh, the "Magic Mike" trilogy, Channing Tatum, Selma Hayek, Peter Andrews, hidden Soderbergh films, and "Cocaine Bear." Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twitter and Instagram and Letterboxd. Watch Alex's films at http://alexwithrow.com/ Watch Nick's films at https://www.n…

Get liquored up with us and take ‘em to the Peach Tree dance. Watch along with Alex and Nick as they discuss Paul Thomas Anderson’s masterpiece “There Will Be Blood.” Daniel Day-Lewis, PTA, Jonny Greenwood’s score, all-timer cinematography, troubling collaborations, economic language - this pod is an ocean of information, pipelined directly to you.…

Alex’s dad, Mark, joins Alex and Nick to talk about George Stevens’ American classic, "A Place in the Sun." They discuss risqué subject material in classic films, the full-body acting of Montgomery Clift, the inner and outer beauty of Elizabeth Taylor, the fire of Shelley Winters, gorgeous close-ups, class structure in ‘50s America, $35 tweed suits…

As Alex and Nick break down every Oscar category, stray topics include a three-way Best Actor race, unexpected Best Actress choices, Andrea Riseborough’s brilliant campaign, the sudden surge of “All Quiet on the Western Front,” a shocking Best Cinematography category, and “My Year of Dicks.” Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twitter and Instagram and Letterb…

This episode is bones and all. Alex and Nick discuss their favorite films from the wildly diverse movie year that was 2022. Topics include “Deep Water” headlines, Austin Butler’s voice, polarizing takes on “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” blockbusters that rocked, tiny indie movies that hit, and so much more. Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twitter and…

Never doubt Big Jim! Alex and Nick start the episode by sharing their surprise praise for James Cameron’s “Avatar: The Way of Water.” The last hour of the pod is dedicated to Big Jim himself – all the films, common themes in his work, Sigourney Weaver, Bill Paxton, “Titanic” monoculture, and much more! Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twitter and Instagram.…

Alex and Nick discuss a new film they both love that no one is talking about, Damien Chazelle’s big swing, "Babylon." The guys talk Chazelle’s career, the culture turning on prestige films, a never-better Margot Robbie, the parallels between "Babylon" and "Irréversible," and much more. In the middle of the episode, Alex invites a lunatic to call in…

Just in time for the holidays, Alex and Nick discuss the work of their favorite filmmaker of all time, Ingmar Bergman. The guys break down Bergman’s essential films, the Bergman Acting Troupe, Sven Nykvist, Bergman’s cultural influence, and so much more. Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twitter and Instagram. Watch Alex's films at http://alexwithrow.com/ Wa…

Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s new film, “Bardo: False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths” is one of Alex and Nick’s favorite films of the year. Watch the movie on Netflix, then tune in as the guys discuss Iñárritu’s career, absurdist cinema, intentional surrealism, weird movies that land, finding love in pain, and so much more. Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twit…

Nick interviews Alex about a ton of new movies, including "Triangle of Sadness," "The Banshees of Inisherin," "The Fabelmans," "Glass Onion," "Bones and All," "Tár," "All Quiet on the Western Front," "Armageddon Time," "Sr.", and more! The guys also discuss the new Sight and Sound movie poll and the Film Independent Spirit nominations. Follow @WAYW…

It’s finally here, our full career breakdown of the one, the only, Quentin Tarantino. As Alex and Nick review every movie in Tarantino’s filmography, stray topics include favorite characters, best music moments, loudest controversies, the films that influenced Tarantino, and so much more! Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twitter and Instagram. Watch Alex's …

Watch Steven Spielberg’s WWII masterpiece right along with us. Alex and Nick discuss the lasting importance of the Normandy sequence, movie tricks, Tom Hanks’ career, Spielberg’s best films, the great supporting cast, terrible Oscar mistakes, the best war films ever made, and so much more. Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twitter and Instagram. Watch Alex's…

Nick interviews Alex about the best NC-17-rated movies ever made. Alex discusses the history of the NC-17 rating, the difference between Unrated and NC-17, appreciating vs. liking tough movies, and films that go too damn far. Later in the episode, Alex gives mini reviews of his favorite 2022 horror films. 80 minutes of NC-17 movies, 35 minutes of n…

Has there been a better movie year since 2007? Alex and Nick dive into all the great films of 2007, topics include the Coens vs. PTA, the ‘70s aesthetic of “Michael Clayton,” Christian Bale & Werner Herzog, Noah Baumbach’s career, the Oscars, and silly movies that claim to be “Based on a True Story.” Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twitter and Instagram. W…

Visionary director, Andrea Arnold, is one of Alex and Nick’s favorite filmmakers. The guys break down all of Arnold’s film work and discuss filming in the 4:3 aspect ratio, Shia LaBeouf, Riley Keough, Oscar-winning short films, working with unknown actors, and so much more. Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twitter and Instagram. Watch Alex's films at http:/…

Alex and Nick review Andrew Dominik’s controversial new film, “Blonde.” The guys discuss online hysteria, Dominik’s challenging filmography, Marilyn Monroe’s best performances, NC-17 movies, Ana de Armas, cinematographer Chayse Irvin, Nick Cave & Warren Ellis, and more. Alex ends the episode with an extended, spoiler-filled review of Olivia Wilde’s…

Alex and Nick have done a lot of lists on the podcast, but none have featured films by this many incredible directors. This episode is all about female-driven stories, from filmmakers such as Sofia Coppola, Greta Gerwig, Claire Denis, Lynne Ramsay, Catherine Breillat, Patty Jenkins, Julia Ducournau, Agnes Varda, Jane Campion, and more. Follow @WAYW…

Nick interviews Alex as he reviews Michael Mann’s new novel, Heat 2. The guys then talk about the movie-related books Alex has read since COVID began, and their respective film adaptions. Titles include: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, A Clockwork Orange, books based on Goodfellas, Casino, and The Irishman, Bret Easton Ellis novels, Stephen King nov…

"Three Colors: Blue" (starring Juliette Binoche), "Three Colors: White" (starring Julie Delpy), and "Three Colors: Red" (starring Irène Jacob) are three of the best films released in the 1990s. Polish filmmaker, Krzysztof Kieślowski, made this groundbreaking trilogy that should be seen by any fan of cinema. Alex and Nick spend 90 minutes trying to …

In this emotional and fun episode, Alex and Nick highlight movies they can count on for a good cry. The guys discuss happy, sad, and inspiring movie cries, film as therapy, Denzel Washington as the movie crier GOAT, losing loved ones, making friends, and so much more. (Cry Count: Alex, 1 — Nick, 0). Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twitter and Instagram. Wa…

You read that right, this week Alex and Nick break down their favorite romantic comedies of all time! The guys discuss 1940s sarcasm, the difference between a comedy and a romantic comedy, toying with genre formula, 1989 as a banner romcom year, Nora Ephron, Nancy Meyers, John Cusack, and much more. Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twitter and Instagram. Wa…

The guys discuss Alex’s appearance on BBC Radio 5 Live, Jordan Peele’s “Nope” in IMAX, an awkward encounter before "Thor: Love and Thunder," Christopher McDonald’s first Emmy nomination (!), Tarantino’s final film, 2022 summer movies, and much more. Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twitter and Instagram. Listen to Alex on BBC Radio 5 Live! (timestamp: 2:07:…

It’s a big day for What Are You Watching as Nick and Alex discuss Nick’s favorite film of all time, Ted Demme’s “Blow.” The guys dive deep on Johnny Depp's career, the chemistry between Ray Liotta and Rachel Griffiths, great music sequences, Cliff Curtis as Pablo Escobar, favorite vs. best films, and much more. Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twitter and I…

Henry Hill was Ray Liotta’s best performance, and to honor that great actor, Alex and Nick dive deep into Martin Scorsese’s classic picture, “Goodfellas.” The guys discuss the film’s iconic use of voiceover, its shocking opening scene, paintings of dogs, French New Wave influences, Oscar stupidity, and all their favorite scenes with Liotta, Robert …

Alex and Nick review one of their favorite movies that virtually no one talks about, Richard Linklater’s “Everybody Wants Some!!” The guys discuss the film’s killer soundtrack, believable actor chemistry, botched marketing/distribution, and the funniest moments from every actor in the film. Watch this movie! Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twitter and Inst…

For the second What Are You Watching commentary, Alex and Nick go all-in on Spike Lee’s “25th Hour.” The guys discuss why “25th Hour” is the best film ever made about post-9/11, making a masterpiece on a small budget, David Benioff’s source novel, Spike Lee’s gritty aesthetic, a never-better Edward Norton, scene-stealer Barry Pepper, and so much mo…

Alex reviews David Cronenberg’s twisted new body horror thriller “Crimes of the Future,” before taking a look at Cronenberg’s 50-year career and all of the glorious mayhem found in it. Follow @WAYW_Podcast on Twitter and Instagram. Watch Alex's films at http://alexwithrow.com/ Watch Nick's films at https://www.nicholasdostal.com/ Send us mailbag qu…

Alex (call sign: Knockout) and Nick (Superstar!) go mainstream with their spoiler-free review of “Top Gun: Maverick.” The guys discuss blockbusters that get it right, the legacy of “Top Gun,” scene-stealer Glen Powell, seeing Val Kilmer on screen again, and more. The second half of the show is dedicated to the 40-year career of Tom Cruise; our favo…