Filmspotting

After facing a surprisingly hostile campaign from fans of the 1984 original, the new GHOSTBUSTERS has finally made it to theaters. But have Kristin Wiig, Melissa McCarthy and company made a film that can put that hostilty to rest? Adam and Josh review the Paul Feig-directed GHOSTBUSTERS reboot. Plus, Adam interviews James Solomon, the director of THE WITNESS, a new documentary about an infamous, decades-old murder case, and the Contemporary Nordic Cinema Marathon returns with a review of Susanne Bier's IN A BETTER WORLD.  0:00-1:15 - Billboard2:42-24:53 - Review: "Ghostbusters" (2016)Music: The Heavy, "A Ghost You Can't Forget"26:06-41:19 - Notes / Massacre Theatre41:19-1:04:20 - Nordic #4: "In A Better World"Music: The Heavy, "The Apology"1:05:28-1:38:09 - Interview: James Solomon1:38:09-1:50:18 - Close / Hot Mics-Josh's review of "Ghostbusters"-Wendy Fox Weber's "Ghostbuster's review-Josh's review of "In A Better World"-"The Witness" Official Site

Collected here, reviews for the four Abbas Kiarostami films we've discussed on the show over the years. Our first was back in 2009, when then co-host Matty Robinson and Adam took a look at Kiarmostami’s A TASTE OF CHERRY as part of our Cannes Film Fest Winners marathon. Tasha Robinson, friend of the show and current co-host at The Next Picture Show, joined Adam for a review of CERTIFIED COPY in 2011. Then in 2012, Josh and Adam included 1990’s CLOSE UP in their Contemporary Iranian Cinema marathon. And finally, a review of Kiarostami’s final film, LIKE SOMEBODY IN LOVE from 2012. To hear Adam's conversation with film writer Tina Hassannia about the director’s legacy, which he recorded just days after learning of Kiarostami's passing, you can find that in episode 593 at filmspotting.dot.0:00-0:55 - Intro0:55-11:31 - "Taste of Cherry"11:31-28:30 - "Certified Copy"28:30-41:42 - "Close Up"41:42-1:01:39 - "Like Someone in Love"

The 2016 box office has been dominated by the usual suspects - animated films from Pixar and Disney, caped crusaders, sequels. But with half the year behind us, Adam, Josh and guest Michael Phillips have stocked their Top 5 of 2016 (So Far) with a number of films that had trouble finding an audience during their original theatrical runs. With many of them new or soon to arrive digitally or on DVD, here's hoping they find the audiences they deserve.  MUSIC- Michael Kiwanuka

If you were paying any attention to the Sundance Film Festival back in January, it’s likely that you caught wind of a film that was being referred to as the ‘Daniel Radcliffe Farting Corpse Movie.’ There were reports of walk outs. Well that movie has an actual title - SWISS ARMY MAN - and it actually does star Daniel Radcliffe as a flatulent corpse. It also stars Paul Dano as a desperate castaway. This week, Adam and guest host Melissa Tamminga from Seattle Screen Scene have a review, and share their Top 5 ‘Body’ Movies. Plus, a conversation with Movie Mezzanine's Tina Hassannia about the legacy of the late Abbas Kiarostami.0:00-1:15 - Billboard1:55-28:57 - Review: "Swiss Army Man"Music: Martha "Precarious (Supermaket Song)"29:43-44:02 - Notes / Massacre Theater44:02-1:13:54 - Interview: Tina Hassannia on Abbas KiarostamiMusic: Martha "Ice Cream and Sunscreen"1:15:03-2:02:14 - Top 5: 'Body' Movies2:02:14-2:19:05 - Close / Hot Mics-Melissa at Seattle Screen Scene-Tina Hassannia-Tina's Abbas Kiarostami Appreciation-Women in the Films of Kiarostami-"The Cinema of Abbas Kiarostami"-Godfrey Cheshire on "Close-Up"

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, Matilda – Roald Dahl’s children’s books are equal parts magical whimsy and sinister menace, and movie adaptations of Dahl's books have sometimes struggled to find the right balance. The latest to make it to the big screen is THE BFG, directed by none other than Steven Spielberg. This week, Tricia Bobeda from WBEZ’s Nerdette podcast joins Josh for a review. Plus, their Top 5 Children’s Book Adaptations.  0:00-1:18 - Billboard2:07-26:02 - Review: "The BFG"Music: Cat's Eyes, "Girl in the Room"27:08-37:55 - Notes / Polls37:55-45:40 - Interview: Nerdette PodcastMusic: Cat's Eyes, "Names on the Mountains"46:45-1:22:26 - Top 5: Children's Book Adaptations1:22:26-1:28:38 - Close / Hot Mics-Josh's review of The BFG-Nerdette's interview with Lindy West-Christopher Harris' The Juggernaut podcast

The films of director Nicolas Winding Refn (DRIVE, ONLY GOD FORGIVES) are known for their distinctive visual style and their often graphic depictions of violence. His latest - THE NEON DEMON - is no exception. DEMON stars Elle Fanning as a young model new to Los Angeles. Carnage ensues. This week, Adam talks with Winding Refn and Fanning, and he and Josh share a review of DE PALMA, a new documentary that reconsiders the work and career of another director whose films depict their share of carnage - Brian De Palma.0:00-3:43 - Billboard / Donations3:43-28:12 - Interview: Nicolas Winding Refn and Elle FanningMusic: Case Lang Veirs, "Atomic Number"40:25-56:50 - Notes / Massacre Theatre56:50-1:20:24 - Review: "De Palma"1:20:24-1:36:52 - Close / Hot Mics

Director Brian De Palma made his mark in the ‘70s alongside contemporaries like Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola and Steven Spielberg. But 40 years into his career, his legacy is less secure than his peers. A new doc - called, simply, DE PALMA - asks us to reconsider the director and his work. Adam and Josh do just that this week with a Blindspotting review of De Palma’s 1984 erotic thriller BODY DOUBLE. They also return to their Contemporary Nordic Cinema Marathon with Roy Andersson's YOU, THE LIVING. 0:00-1:44 - Billboard3:24-28:12 - Blindspotting Review: "Body Double"Music: Band of Horses, "Country Teen"31:26-50:41 - Notes / Polls50:41-1:03:22 - FS Recommends: "Finding Dory," "Popstar," "Love & Friendship"Music: Band of Horses, "Throw My Mess"1:04:30-1:13:20 - Donations1:13:20-1:32:16 - Nordic #3: "You, The Living"1:32:16-1:47:03 - Close / Hot MicsLINKS-Josh's "Body Double" review-Josh's "You, The Living" review-Sam's "Fantastic Mr. Fox" review-The Forgetful Film Critic-Tapped: A Treasonous Musical Comedy

Back in 2001, Wes Anderson was known as the director of the modest indie hit RUSHMORE. Then came THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS, with its family full of failed former prodigies and iconic soundtrack. It arguably remains his most beloved film. But how does TENENBAUMS hold up 15 years later? Adam and Josh, along with former co-host (and notable TENENBAUMS skeptic) Sam Van Hallgren, have a Sacred Cow review. Plus, a little ahead of Father’s Day, the Top 5 (Non-Kids) Films To Show Your Kids.0:00-1:36 - Billboard1:36-51:10 - Sacred Cow Review: "The Royal Tenenbaums"51:10-1:01:22 - Notes / Massacre Theatre1:01:22-1:32:40 - Top 5: (Non-Kids) Movies To Show Your Kids1:32:40-1:37:36 - Donations1:37:36-2:09:02 - Top 5 cont.2:09:02-2:20:24 - Close / Hot MicsMusic used in this episode:Nico, "These Days"The Creation, "Making Time"-The Royal Tenenbaums: My Favorite Film...-Ty Burr: The Best Old Movies for Families -Northwestern Doc Media Screenings

In music writer Steven Hyden's provocatively titled new book "Your Favorite Band is Killing Me: What Pop Music Rivalries Reveal About the Meaning of Life," he writes about The Beatles vs The Rolling Stones as a prototype of a certain kind of rivalry - the ubiquitous cultural behemoth vs the reactionary alternative. It's true that few movie rivalries can compete with a rivalry as epic as Beatles/Stones, but Adam and Josh have come up with five memorable cinematic battles - and they've invited Hyden to go into the trenches with them. That Top 5, plus a review of Terence Davies's SUNSET SONG, and Alison Willmore's Cannes Film Festival recap.0:00-3:14 - Billboard3:14-59:18 - Top 5: Movie Rivalries59:18-1:11:28 - Notes / Polls1:11:28-1:22:35 - Cannes Recap1:22:35-1:40:24 - Review: "Sunset Song"1:40:24-1:43:12 - Close / OuttakeMusic used in this episode:Lynyrd Skynyrd, "Sweet Home Alabama" Neil Young, "Alabama"-No Country vs. Blood Trailer-Emerson on Coens, PTA and violence-Emerson on Kael v Sarris-Time Out New York on Chaplin v Keaton-Cahiers du Cinema's 100 Greatest Films

If the long-anticipated THE LOBSTER didn't make it to U.S. theaters soon, Adam and Josh were threatening to transform into crustaceans in protest. Happily for everyone, the 2015 Cannes award winner from Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos ("Dogtooth") made it to Chicago in time for Filmspotting - along with guest Michael Phillips - to file its review. Also on the show, Adam's interview with MAGGIE'S PLAN writer/director Rebecca Miller and the second film in the Contemporary Nordic Cinema Marathon - Aki Kaurismaki's THE MAN WITHOUT A PAST (itself a Cannes award winner back in 2002). This episode also features some really lousy quacking.0:00-2:09 - Billboard / Sponsors2:09-30:58 - Review: "The Lobster"Music: Jacob the Horse, "Hitchcock Blond"32:05-44:04 - Notes / Massacre Theatre44:04-1:00:23 - Nordic #2: "The Man Without a Past"Music: Jacob the Horse, "9191991"1:01:13-1:08:29 - Donations1:08:29-1:30:03 - Interview: Rebecca Miller1:30:03-1:44:26 - Close / Hot Mics / OuttakesLINKS- Josh's "Lobster" review- Josh's "Past" review- Steve James In Conversation- Jacob the Horse "Hitchcock Blonde" video- Balinale Film Festival

The buddy crime picture is a well-worn movie genre, but the right combination of players can still make it seem fresh. Enter THE NICE GUYS with Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling. Writer/director Shane Black is no stranger to the buddy picture – his debut screenplay was 1987’s LETHAL WEAPON. Adam and Josh review Black's latest, and relive the glory days of MANNEQUIN (and LETHAL WEAPON) with their Top 5 Films of '87. Plus, Larsen recommends LAST DAYS IN THE DESERT.0:00-1:45 - Billboard / Sponsors1:45-24:55 - Review: "The Nice Guys"24:55-36:27 - Notes / Polls36:27-43:57 - Larsen Recs: "Last Days..."43:57-47:14 - Donations47:14-1:19:25 - Top 5: Films of 19871:19:25-1:34:53 - Close / Hot Mics1987 music heard on this episode:Guns 'N Roses, "Welcome to the Jungle"N.R.G., "Instruments of Destruction"U2, "In God's Country"Starship, "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us"- Josh's review of "The Nice Guys"- Chicago Critics Film Festival- Adam's video Q&A with John Sayles- "Thinking In Pictures" by John Sayles- Josh's review of "Last Days in the Desert"- Ebert on "House of Games"- Adam's full 1987 ranked list

Comic artist Jacques Tardi is little known in the U.S but revered in his native France. His expressionistic, historical graphic novels are the inspiration for the new animated film APRIL & THE EXTRAORDINARY WORLD, which just opened in limited release. Adam and Josh review, plus preview the Chicago Critics Film Festival and discuss the first film in their Contemporary Nordic Cinema Marathon – Swedish director Roy Andersson's SONGS FROM THE SECOND FLOOR. This episode is brought to you by MUBI and Squarespace. 0:00-2:08 - Billboard / Sponsors 2:08-19:09 - "April & The Extraordinary World" 19:09-20:26 - Sponsors 20:26-32:58 - Notes / Massacre Theatre 32:58-49:52 - Chicago Critics Film Festival 49:52-53:22 - Donations 53:22-1:15:37 - "Songs from the Second FLoor" 1:15:37-1:27:31 - Close / Random Chatter MUSIC - Lykke Li LINKS / NOTES - MT winner: Elise Mugge - Josh's review of "April and the Extraordinary World" - Josh's review of "High-Rise" - Chicago Critics Film Festival - Adam's Top 5 CCFF Movies: Little Men, In a Valley of Violence, War On Everyone, Operator, Lo and Behold - Josh's review of "Songs from the Second Floor" - How to Design a Website for Your Film

Even if you’re a comic book fan, it’s possible that you’re feeling some Marvel movie fatigue. But one of the surprising things about the dozen or so films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is that two of the best films in the mega-franchise are Captain America movies. Maybe make that three. Adam and Josh review the shield-wielding patriot’s CIVIL WAR and ask their Top 5 Summer Movie Questions. Plus, some thoughts on Key and Peele's KEANU and a bonus JUNGLE BOOK review.  This episode is brought to you by MUBI. 0:00-2:01 - Billboard / MUBI 2:01-27:45 - Review: "Civil War" Besnard Lakes, "Golden Lion" 28:29-40:56 - Notes / Polls 40:56-50:09 - Larsen Recs: "Keanu" Besnard Lakes, "Pressure of Our Plans" 50:58-55:48 - Donations 55:48-1:27:44 - Summer Movie Preview 1:25:49-1:43:30 - Close / "Jungle Book" MUSIC - The Besnard Lakes LINKS - Josh's review of "Civil War" - Josh's review of "Keanu" - Indiewire's 2016 Summer Movie Preview - Adam's Art of Memoir class - LEGO Adam and Josh - Ocean Research Project / The Sailing Channel

When they finally get around to making Filmspotting: The Movie, it will be eligible for a future revisit of this week’s Top 5: Single Location Films. Maybe Adam and Josh can convince Jeremy Saulnier to direct. Call it "Beige Studio." That top 5, plus a review of Saulnier's GREEN ROOM, Massacre Theatre and Adam and Josh finally close the book on Filmspotting Madness 2016 with results from the impossibly close third-place contest between Wes Anderson and Martin Scorsese. This episode is brought to you by MUBI. 0:00-2:54 - Billboard / MUBI 2:54-26:17 - Review: "Green Room" Muhammad Seven, "The Beastly Ballad..." 26:17-48:52 - Prince / Notes 48:52-51:09 - Massacre Theatre Muhammad Seven, "Swampers at Fame" 52:12-55:53 - Donations / SVU Promo 1:14:10-1:25:49 - Top 5: Single Location Films 1:25:49-1:28:57 - Close MUSIC - Muhammad Seven LINKS - Josh's review of "Green Room" - Chicago Underground Film Fest - Filmspotting Madness Final Bracket - Adam's Art of Memoir class - Art of the Real on MUBI - The Dark Side of Disney doc - Soderbergh and Nichols Commentary

Fans celebrated Back to the Future Day on Oct. 21, 2015, the date Doc, Marty and Jennifer traveled to from 1985. In that same spirit, fans of the ALIEN franchise have marked a movie date of their own. Taking inspiration from LV-426, the ex-moon where the crew of the Nostromo first encounter the famous xenomorph, April 26th has been deemed 'Alien Day.' We honor the occasion with a Sacred Cow review of Ridley Scott's 1979 classic. Plus, a conversation with GREEN ROOM writer/director Jeremy Saulnier, and the 2016 Filmspotting Madness champion is crowned. This episode is brought to you by MUBI. 0:00-2:43 - Billboard / Donations2:43-39:37 - Sacred Cow Review: "Alien"Prince, "Let's Go Crazy"40:48-47:03 - Notes47:03-1:07:08 - Filmspotting Madness: ChampionPrince, "Purple Rain"1:08:18-1:14:10 - Donations1:14:10-1:34:33 - Interview: Jeremy Saulnier1:34:33-1:37:35 - Close LINKS - Alien Day - Filmspotting Madness Voting - Filmspotting Madness Bracket - Adam's Art of Memoir class - Josh's review of "Alien" - Thomas Torrey's movie "Fare"