Filmspotting

Quentin Tarantino’s ode to Spaghetti Westerns "Django Unchained" brought Josh and Adam together over the holidays. Was it a fortuitous turn of events? Plus, a conversation with writer/director/actor Edward Burns about his new holiday release, and the Blaxploitation Marathon concludes with "Ganja & Hess." This episode is brought to you by MoviePass -- see unliminted movies nationwide for a flat month monthly rate. ... MUSIC - "Django Unchained" Soundtrack NOTES / LINKS - Josh's "Django" review - Josh's "Basterds" review - Filmspotting's 2012 Wrap Party - 2012 Village Voice Film Critics' Poll - Adam's Village Voice ballot - Josh's Village Voice ballot - Blaxploitation Awards - "Fitzgerald Family Christmas" info

Filmspotting assembles the film critic Avengers -- Michael Phillips (Chicago Tribune) and Scott Tobias (A.V. Club) -- to finish off the Top 10 Films of 2012 countdown and reflect on the year in cinema. This episode is presented by Shutterstock (use code FILM12) and MoviePass. :00-2:52 - Intro/MoviePass 2:53-45:30 - Best of '12: #6-10 Recap, Picks #4-5 Music: "Heroic Weather Conditions of the Universe, Part 7: After the Storm" ("Moonrise Kingdom") 47:10-49:34 - Promos: Shutterstock / SVU Music: "Everything Comes Around" ("Looper") 49:35-1:26:22 - Best of '12: Picks #1-3 1:26:23-1:31:37 - Close LINKS - Give the gift of MoviePass MUSIC - Film scores curated by Sam Smith

Josh and Adam didn't set out to meet their makers, but they do tackle the Promethean task of counting down their Top 10 Films of 2012 with the help of some special guest contributors. :00-20:40 - Best of '12: Picks #8-10 Music: "Once There Was a Hushpuppy" ("Beasts of...") 21:58-25:48 - Donations Music: "Sweetness of Freddie" ("Master") 26:32-40:13 - Massacre Theatre / Notes 40:14-52:53 - Best of '12: Picks #6-752:54-57:39 - Close / FAB #1 Picks MUSIC - Film scores curated by Sam Smith NOTES / LINKS - Massacre Theatre winner: Andre Walker - Patton Oswalt on "Queen of Versailles" - Filmspotting's 2012 Wrap Party PARTNERS - Fandor.com/Filmspotting - The Q&A with Jeff Goldsmith- iTunes

The end-of-year onslaught begins  with the announcement of Filmspotting's eight Golden Brick nominees for 2012. Plus, an unexpected journey with "The Hobbit" and an early review of "Zero Dark Thirty." This episode is presented by Shutterstock (Use code FILM12) and MoviePass. :00-1:16 - Billboard / MoviePass 1:45-25:25 - Review: "Zero Dark Thirty Music: The Lumineers, "Dead Sea" 26:36-27:37 - Sponsor: Shutterstock 27:56-39:38 - Massacre Theatre / Notes 39:38-56:07 - Review: "The Hobbit"Music: Michael Kiwanuka, "I'm Getting Ready" 57:29-1:03:06 - Donations 1:03:23-1:24:24 - Golden Brick Nominees 1:24:25-1:27:21 - Close MUSIC - The Lumineers / Michael Kiwanuka NOTES - Massacre Theatre winner: Matt Kelly LINKS - Josh's Zero Dark Thirty review - New torture-glorifying film wins raves - Two Cheers for Zero Dark Thirty’s Torture Scenes - Emily Bazelon/Slate on torture in Zero Dark Thirty - The right way to say Alexander Desplat - An evening of film and wine with Ed Burns - Filmspotting's 2012 Wrap Party LIVE - MST3K Event at Mayne Stage - Give the gift of MoviePass - Favorite listener music discoveries - Holiday t-shirt sale! PARTNERS - Fandor.com/Filmspotting - The Q&A with Jeff Goldsmith- iTunes

Like Nic Cage in "Raising Arizona," last night Josh had a dream... a dream he and Adam were going to discuss the H.I. McDonnough Memorial List of the Top 5 Inept Movie Criminals, inspired by the new Brad Pitt crime drama "Killing Them Softly." Plus, cut school and cue up the Motown for the 5th Blaxploitation Marathon film, "Cooley High." Presented by MoviePass and Audible.com. :00-2:35 - Billboard / MoviePass 2:36-22:30 - Review: "Killing Them Softly" Alabama Shakes, "Hold On" 23:51-26:34 - Sponsor: Audible 26:56-31:01 - Massacre Theatre 31:02-39:31 - Polls / Notes 39:32-57:00 - Marathon: "Cooley High" Alabama Shakes, "I Ain't The Same" 58:16-1:04:23 - Donations 1:04:24-1:28:19 - Top 5: Inept Criminals 1:28:20-1:30:47 - Close MUSIC - Alabama Shakes NOTES - Massacre Theatre winner: Clint Bowie - Audible Recs: "Silver Linings Playbook;" Stories I Only Tell My Friends" LINKS - Holiday T-shirt sale - Josh's "Killing Them Softly" review - Golden Bricks page - Nihao Chicago article - Odie's Big Media Vandalism blog - Top 5 Inept Criminals SPONSORS / PARTNERS - Fandor.com/Filmspotting - The Q&A with Jeff Goldsmith- iTunes

Is manic depression a frustrating mess, or a fascinating one? It's a November release round-up as Adam and Josh discuss "Silver Linings Playbook," plus "Skyfall" and "Anna Karenina." The guys also open up their 'little green bags' to cough in their lists of the Top 5 Credit Sequences, and discuss their 4th Blaxploitation Marathon film, "Black Caesar." This episode is presented by Shutterstock (Use code FILM11), MoviePass and Hover. :00-2:49 - Billboard / Hover 2:50-15:33 - Review: "Silver Linings Playbook" 15:34-24:32 - Review: "Skyfall" 24:33-37:54 - Review: "Anna Karenina" Music: Ennio Morricone, "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" 39:01-40:17 - Sponsor: Shutterstock 40:32-45:14 - Massacre Theatre 45:15-54:09 - Polls / Notes 54:10-1:12:13 - Blaxploitation #4: "Black Caesar" Music: Bernard Herrmann, "Psycho" and "Vertigo" 1:13:09-1:20:40 - Donations 1:21:16-1:49:46 - Top 5: Credit Sequences 1:49:47-1:53:20 - Close / Outtakes NOTES - AK: In honor of my #1 pick, this week I offer you both sins of commission (Camille Saint-Saëns) and sins of omission (Trent Reznor). - Massacre Theatre winner: Kelly Sayer LINKS - Josh's Silver Linings review - Adam's plot issues with Skyfall - Bond Girls: A feminist defense - The Art of the Title - IFC's 50 Greatest Opening Titles - A.V. Club's 13 Opening Credits Sequences... - Adam and Josh rank Spielberg's films - Fourth & Main Journal - Streaming for non-U.S. people - Holiday t-shirt sale! PARTNERS - Fandor.com/Filmspotting - The Q&A with Jeff Goldsmith- iTunes

Filmspotting celebrates Thanksgiving this week with a look back at some of the under-the-radar cinematic gems that Adam and Josh are most grateful for this year... movies that might just earn a spot among the nominees for Filmspotting's coveted Golden Brick award. This episode is presented by Shutterstock (Code FILM11) and Squarespace.com (Code FILM11). :00-3:18 - Billboard / Shutterstock 3:21-9:00 - Golden Brick Candidates 9:01-28:23 - Replay: "Beast of the Southern Wild"Music: "Can You Believe It," Martha Wainwright 29:15-31:25 - Sponsor: Squarespace 31:45-35:56 - Brick Candidates cont.35:57-59:06 - Replay: Lynn Shelton 59:07-1:00:13 - Close LINKS - List of Golden Brick candidates

We're gonna need a bigger show... Michael Phillips drops by to select the Top 5 Spielberg Scenes and review the director's latest, "Lincoln." Plus, cook up those mashed potatoes for a Sacred Cow discussion of one Spielberg classic – 1977’s "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." This episode is presented by Shutterstock (Use code FILM11) and FreshBooks. :00-3:08 - Billboard / Shutterstock 3:09-31:31 - Review: "Lincoln" Music: "Shark Attack"; "Raiders March" 32:27-33:26 - Sponsor: FreshBooks 33:50-40:01 - Massacre Theatre 39:52-45:35 - Polls 41:45-1:07:16 - Sacred Cow: "Close Encounters..." Music: John Williams "Catch Me... (Opening Theme)"; "E.T. (Main Theme)" 1:08:17-1:18:50 - Donations 1:19:16-1:55:50 - Top 5: Spielberg Scenes 1:55:51-2:00:37 - Close LINKS - Josh's "Lincoln" review - Top 5 Spielberg Scenes - Matt and Alison's Top 5 Spielberg Scenes - This American Life live show - Alan's UK movie meetup NOTES - Massacre Theatre winner: Caleb Copeland PARTNERS - Fandor.com/Filmspotting - The Q&A with Jeff Goldsmith- iTunes

Filmspotting pays respect to the performers who decided they were no longer satisfied simply being clowns here to amuse with a countdown of the Top 5 Dramatic Performances by Comic Actors. Plus, Adam’s conversation with one such performer: Tim Heidecker of Tim & Eric fame discusses his transition to the semi-tragic side for his new film "The Comedy"... and Pam Grier stars as "Coffy" in the third Blaxploitation Marathon film. This episode is presented by Hover and FreshBooks. :00-2:25 - Billboard / FreshkBooks 2:26-22:54 - Interview: Tim Heidecker Music: Aimee Mann, "Charmer" 20:52-21:57 - Sponsor: Hover 22:14-28:41 - Massacre Theatre 28:42-34:40 - Polls, Notes 41:15-48:54 - Blaxploitation #3: "Coffy" Music: Aimee Mann, "Soon Enough" 50:14-54:07 - Donations 54:29-1:21:22 - Top 5: Dramatic Performances by Comic Actors 1:21:23-1:24:47 - Close / Outtake MUSIC - Aimee Mann LINKS / NOTES - Massacre Theatre winner: Robert Bryant - AK: I lied, I do remember the "Comiing to America" end credits bit - Josh's "Coffy" review PARTNERS - Fandor.com/Filmspotting - The Q&A with Jeff Goldsmith- iTunes

Filmspotting crosses continents and generations in search of the true-true with a discussion of "Cloud Atlas." Plus, inspired the busy ensemble in "Atlas," a countdown of the Top 5 Multiple Role Performances... And oh "Super Fly," you’re gonna make your fortune by and by... Adam and Josh cover the second film in their Blaxploitation Marathon. This episode is presented by Audible.com. :00-1:18 - Intro 1:19-22:54 - Review: "Cloud Atlas" Music: Michael Kiwanuka, "Home Again" 24:04-28:38 - Audible 28:58-34:48 - Massacre Theatre 34:49-41:14 - Polls, Notes 41:15-55:47 - Blaxploitation #2: "Super Fly" Music: Michael Kiwanuka, "Tell Me a Tale" 57:07-1:02:49 - Donations 1:03:09-1:26:33 - Top 5: Multiple Role Performances 1:26:34-1:28:15 - Close BONUS CONTENT - Argo eff yourself! MUSIC - Michael Kiwanuka NOTES - Massacre Theatre winner: Joshua Gaul - Audible Recs: "Telegraph Avenue," "A Wrinkle in Time," "A Swiftly Tilting Planet," "The Signal and the Noise: Why So Many Predictions Fail-but Some Don't" LINKS - Stitcher Awards/Vote for Filmspotting - Caitlin's "Out Loud Writing" Blog - Pat's "Filmcast Without a Cause" site SPONSORS / PARTNERS - Fandor.com/Filmspotting - The Q&A with Jeff Goldsmith- iTunes

Heeeeere's Michael Phillips! From the spacious Overlook studio at WBEZ, Michael joins Filmspotting for a Sacred Cow discussion of "The Shining." Also on this special Halloween edition: theories about the theories in the new documentary "Room 237," which explores the hidden meanings in Stanley Kubrick's 1982 horror classic. Plus, the Top 5 Terrifying Movie Characters. This episode is presented by Hover and FreshBooks.com. :00-2:20 - Intro/Hover 2:22-37:07 - Review: "The Shining" Music: Little Legend, "Lonely" 38:20-39:52 - FreshBooks 40:20-45:10 - Massacre Theatre 45:11-52:17 - Polls, Notes 52:18-1:11:33 - Review: "Room 237" Music: Little Legend, "Sundown" 1:13:00-1:19:14 - Donations 1:19:33-1:54:07 - Top 5: Terrifying Characters 1:54:08-1:56:33 - Close BONUS CONTENT - Best of the '90s, CIFF MUSIC - Little Legend NOTES - A couple more comments on the notion of repression and the Torrance family unit in "The Shining": You've got to love Nicholson's "Wendy, I'm home!" like an ax-wielding Ward Cleaver... And it's interesting how even Danny is being stifled. His parents won't let him talk about Tony; Tony won't let him talk to anyone about the things Tony tells him to do. - Massacre Theatre winner: Kenny Meier - Chicago no longer has a confirmed playdate theater for PUSHER this weekend as mentioned. LINKS - Chicago Filmmakers - Rosenbaum on "Room 237" - Josh's review of "Room 237" - "The Selling" - Top 5 Terrifying Characters - A.V. Club's 50 best films of the '90s - Slate's 50 Other Best Films of the '90s PARTNERS - Fandor.com/Filmspotting - The Q&A with Jeff Goldsmith- iTunes

Filmspotting likes reviewing movies, but what the hosts really want to do is direct. Themselves. Inspired by their discussion of Ben Affleck's "Argo," Adam and Josh countdown the Top 5 Movies Directed by Their Stars. Plus, they answer the age-old question, 'Who’s the private dick that’s a sex machine to all the chicks?' You’re damn right the Blaxploitation Marathon begins with "Shaft." This episode is presented by Squarespace.com (use code FILM10) and FreshBooks.com. :00-3:20 - Intro/FreshBooks 3:21-27:05 - Review: "Argo" Music: The Avett Brothers, "Live and Die" 28:34-30:04 - Squarespace 30:09-37:12 - Massacre Theatre 37:13-42:10 - Polls, Notes 42:11-54:52 - Blaxploitation #1: "Shaft" Music: The Avett Brothers, "Paul Newman vs. The Demons" 56:12-1:03:39 - Donations 1:03:57-1:29:45 - Top 5: Movies Directed by Their Stars 1:29:46-1:31:52 - Close / Outtake BONUS CONTENT - Looper, Doppelgangers Feedback MUSIC - The Avett Brothers NOTES - Massacre Theatre winner: Ryan Jacobs LINKS - Yes, Pauline Kael DID like "12 Angry Men" - What was Adam saying about "Mulholland Dr." and "Singin' in the Rain"? Club Silencio / Switch-a-Roo - Film Comment's Top 50 Self-Directed Performances - Lighthouse Yoga & Acupuncture - "Red Sand: a Mass Effect fan film" - Tasha Robinson on "Falling Down" - Josh's review of "Argo" - Josh's review of "Shaft" - Top 5 Movies Directed by Their Stars PARTNERS - Fandor.com/Filmspotting - The Q&A with Jeff Goldsmith- iTunes

On this fun, culture-filled edition of Filmspotting, Adam's conversation with writer/director Martin McDonagh about his latest dark comedy, "Seven Psychopaths," starring Colin Farrell, Christopher Walken and a Shih Tzu named Bonny… the inspiration for this week’s Top 5: Movie Pets. This episode is presented by Hover.com. Use off code 'Filmspotting.' :00-29:56 - Interview: Martin McDonagh Music: Band of Horses, "Knock Knock" 31:35-33:04 - Hover 33:05-39:10 - Massacre Theatre 39:11-51:49 - Polls, "Frankenweenie" / "How To Survive a Plague" 51:50-55:54 - Preview: Blaxploitation Marathon Music: Band of Horses, "Feud" 57:16-1:01:47 - Donations 1:01:48-1:25:47 - Top 5: Movie Pets 1:25:48-1:29:11 - Close/Outtake BONUS CONTENT - L.A. Movies Feedback MUSIC - Band of Horses NOTES - Massacre Theatre winner: Aaron Rogers LINKS - "Looper" Commentary Track - "Late Live Show" Appearance - "How To Survive a Plague" - CanIStream.It - Josh's review of "Frankenweenie" - Top 5 Movie Pets PARTNERS - Fandor.com/Filmspotting - The Q&A with Jeff Goldsmith- iTunes

Adam tries to convince Judy, er, Josh, to change his hair for their Vertigo Memorial Top 5 Doppelganger Movies. Plus, a discussion of Rian Johnson's new time-travel thriller "Looper" and a preview of the upcoming Chicago International Film Festival. This episode is presented by Audible.com and Squarespace.com. :00-23:44 - Review: "Looper" Music: Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs, "Beg, Steal or Borrow" 25:12-28:29 - Audible / Squarespace 28:47-34:11 - Massacre Theatre 34:12-42:37 - Polls, Notes 44:45-51:56 - Preview: Chicago Int'l Film Fest Music: Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs, "Old Before Your Time" 53:11-58:59 - Donations 59:15-1:21:18 - Top 5: Doppelganger Movies 1:21:19-1:24:24 - Close MUSIC - Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs NOTES - Bonus Content clarification - Yes, the verdict in "12 Angry Men" is more about reasonable doubt than innocence. - Massacre Theatre winner: Melissa Prusi - Audible Recs: "The Life of Pi," "The Exorcist," "The Silence of the Lambs" LINKS - Chicago International Film Festival - Chicago Greek Film Festival - Josh's review of Looper - Graham Hughes' crowd-funded project - "As Goes Janesville" doc - Ken Linck's iPod 'improvisation' - Top 5 Doppelganger Movies - Top 5 Must-See Chicago Film Fest Movies SPONSORS / PARTNERS - Audible - Get a free audiobook - Squarespace: Use code FILM10 - Fandor.com/Filmspotting - The Q&A with Jeff Goldsmith- iTunes

"The Master" tells us that "Good science, by definition, allows for more than opinion." Adam and Josh mostly prove to be good scientists as they 'process' Paul Thomas Anderson's latest. Plus, the Top 5 Charismatic Movie Leaders and your feedback on the Sacred Cow review of "Raiders of the Lost Ark." This episode is presented by Squarespace.com. :00-31:03 - Review: "The Master" Music: Ben Folds Five, "Do It Anyway" 32:10-33:27 - Squarespace 33:49-39:50 - Massacre Theatre 39:51-44:44 - Polls, Notes 44:45-55:32 - Feedback: "Raiders of the Lost Ark" Music: Ben Folds Five, "Michael Praytor, Five Years Later" 53:59-1:04:04 - Donations 1:04:38-1:32:18 - Top 5: Charismatic Leaders 1:32:19-1:34:26 - Close MUSIC - Ben Folds Five NOTES - Thanks to listener Ken Pace for the "Toy Story" clip. - Massacre Theatre winner: Chris Jones LINKS - REEL Recovery Film Festival - Vera Farmiga Film Festival - Josh's review of The Master SPONSORS / PARTNERS - Squarespace: Use code FILM9 - Fandor.com/Filmspotting - The Q&A with Jeff Goldsmith- iTunes