Sitting Around Talking Movies

The hurricanes have come and gone and it's time to reap the summer's harvest. So if your neighbors haven't brought you tomatoes and zucchinis yet what's that matter with them? Hollywood has some offerings for you as well and luckily we'll tell you what's worth your time. First we have "Only Murders in the Building." It's a new Hulu series starring Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez as three strangers who share an obsession with true crime and suddenly find themselves caught up in one. It's very New Yorky, is it fun? Bill Bregoli (not a native New Yorker so you can trust him) will tell you. Neil tells us about the proliferation of TV game shows. We've also got Paul Schrader's new drama "The Card Counter." Starring Oscar Isaac and Willem Dafoe it's a revenge thriller that tells the story of an ex-military interrogator turned gambler haunted by the ghosts of his past. Bill Also watched "Vacation Friends." It's a raunchy comedy about a couple who meet up with another couple while on vacation in Mexico, b

Summer is winding down and so are several TV shows. Including "The White Lotus." We all watched the season finale on HBO and, uh, well, listen in to hear what we thought. But there's lots more including "Bring Your Own Brigade" the must talked about in investigation into our landscape's hidden fire stories and on-the-ground experiences of firefighters and residents struggling through deadly fires. There's also the Netflix series "Hit and Run" in which happily married man's life is turned upside down when his wife is killed in a mysterious hit-and-run accident in Tel Aviv. Neil talks about the "Field of Dreams" baseball game based on the baseball movie or something like that. There's also "The Lost Leonardo," a documentary about the mystery surrounding the Salvator Mundi, the first painting by Leonardo da Vinci to be discovered for more than a century, which has now seemingly gone missing. Bill Bregoli thinks he knows where it is and he'll tell you about it. He also tells us about the quirky new series "Reserv

It's that time of summer when things are starting to look a little weird - the kids, the dog, your mother-in-law, etc. Well, movies are starting to get a little strange too. Luckily we've looked at enough stuff to help you keep your sanity as you review your entertainment choices. So we start off with "The Suicide Squad" - not to be confused with "Suicide Squad" which came out in 2019. This one was directed by James Gunn, who directed "Guardians of the Galaxy" and Bill McCuddy says that's enough to make a world of difference. Then we've got "Annette" which was a big hit at the recent Cannes Film Festival. It's got Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard but is it any good? Neil Rosen will tell you what he thinks in no uncertain terms. Then we've got "Pig" starring the always interesting Nicolas Cage. It's about a man and his truffle pig. You may not have a truffle pig (though you should) but will you still be able to relate? Bill Bregoli will tell you. We've also got documentaries including "Pray Away," about the re

It's August! The time of the year when Hollywood releases some of it's sketchiest movies and TV shows. This year is no exception which is why we're really performing a public service with this week's podcast - helping you save your entertainment dollars as well as cluing you in on some of the rare gems that come out this time of year. We start with "Jungle Cruise," the big budget Disney extravaganza starring Dwayne Johnson and the industry's go-to Englishwoman, Emily Blunt. Is it up to all the hype? Bill Bregoli will let you know. Neil Rosen then tells us what he thinks of the second season of Amazon Prime's "Modern Love" as well as the second season of the much ballyhooed "Ted Lasso." We've also got the indie crime drama "The Evening Hour" as well as the the return of the Muscles From Brussels - Jean Claude VanDamme in "The Last Mercenary" on Netflix. Then we've got a terrific documentary about a terrible concert - "Woodstock 99: Peace Love and Rage" which you can check out on HBO Max. Then Neil and Bill McC

Summer is the season of plenty - from your backyard barbecues with Uncle Tony's homemade sausages to Aunt Mary's potato salad made with her famous mystery mayonnaise. And the showbiz world has varied offerings as well. Luckily we've checked them out so you don't get the entertainment version of food poisoning. First Bill McCuddy tells us about the much lauded art-house film "Zola" in which a stripper named Zola embarks on a wild road trip to Florida. It's not based on an idea scribbled on a napkin, it's based on tweets. Yes, it's come to that. Meanwhile Neil tells us about "McCartney 3,2,1" in which producer Rick Rubin interviews Paul McCartney on his work with the Beatles, Wings, and as a solo artist. Neil also watched "1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything." Meanwhile, Bill Bregoli tells us about the new Disney+ documentary "Playing With Sharks" which is different than all those other shark documentaries out there. He also tells us about the new Netflix true crime documentary series "Heist." We also

How hot is it? It's so hot that we've braved the melting sidewalks and watched a plethora of movie and TV offerings just so you can stay cool while you figure out what to watch this summer. First off, of course, we've got the big summer smash "Black Widow" starring Scarlett Johansson and Florence Pugh. Bill Bregoli was brave enough to go to his local 14-plex and check it out. Then Neil tells us about "The White Lotus." It's a new HBO limited series about rich people - not to be confused with all the other HBO series about rich people. This one was created by Mike White, who's pretty strange. We've also got the music documentary "Summer of Soul" and the sardonic new Netflix documentary series "How to Become a Tyrant." And speaking of documentaries we've also got "The One and Only Dick Gregory." Bill McCuddy guides us through the strange morass of this year's Emmy Nominations as well what's happening at the Cannes film festival. But wait, we also got a look at "Fear Street Part 1: 1994" and Fear Street Part 2:

So it's Fourth of July weekend and you came back wet from your local fireworks display or you had to move your barbecue indoors because it was too rainy or too hot and now your kids are sadly trying to toast marshmallows over the kitchen stove. Don't worry - we've got a whole bunch of entertainment alternatives to help you salvage what's left of the holiday. First Bill McCuddy has "No Sudden Move" from director Steven Soderbergh. It's a caper film starring Don Cheadle and Benicio Del Toro and it takes place in 1950's Detroit. Then Neil has yet another series about an aspiring stand up comic (where does he find them all?) called "Hacks" starring Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder. The fearless Bill Bregoli tells us about the animated sequel "Boss Baby: Family Business" which has the voices of Alec Baldwin and Jeff Goldblum as well as "F9." No, it's not about your favorite key on your computer - it's yet another "Fast and Furious" movie. And this one goes into outer space! Oh, but there's so much more including "T

It's finally officially summer and now you can just relax without felling guilty. And what better way to relaxing than just watching something? "Ah, but what to watch?" you say. "I don't want to waste my precious time on just anything Hollywood throws at me." Well, that why we gave up some of our own precious time to watch a whole bunch of things available right now, so you can make an informed choice. First, Neil tells us about "Lanksy." It stars veteran actor Harvey Keitel as the aging Meyer Lansky, who is investigated one last time by the Feds who suspect he has stashed away millions of dollars over half a century. Bill Bregoli tells us about "Fatherhood." It's a Kevin Hart movie with a semi-serious twist that's now on Netflix. Bill McCuddy has the French Canadian film "Les Notres." It's a social suspense about Magalie, a teenager who will have no choice but to take back the reins of her own life. Neil fills us in on the third season of "The Kaminsky Method" as well as the Iliza Schlesinger comedy "Good on

Summer actually begins on Sunday, 6/20, but hey, we've already had a heat wave and chances are you've burned a burger or two on the barbecue. But that hasn't stopped Hollywood from serving up a feast of new offerings and we're here to let you know what's worth your time. First we've got "In the Heights." It's from the guy who brought you "Hamilton" (the show you couldn't afford to see on Broadway) but this is the film version of the musical in which Usnavi, a sympathetic New York bodega owner, saves every penny every day as he imagines and sings about a better life. Oh what fun. Maybe. Then we've got "The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It" which is a scary movie that cost less than "In the Heights" but has made more money. Figure that out. Neil tells us about the latest offering from Disney-Pixar which takes place on the Italian Riviera, where an unlikely but strong friendship grows between a human being and a sea monster disguised as a human. And if any company could make that premise work it's Pixar. We've

This summer has gotten very warm very fast. So this week we gathered during the cool of the evening to tell you about Hollywood's latest offerings on big and small screens. First Bill Bregoli, a man who's not afraid of movies with two female leads, tells us about "Plan B." Directed by Natalie Morales, it follows a straight-laced high school student and her slacker best friend who, after a regrettable first sexual encounter, have 24 hours to hunt down a Plan B pill in America's heartland. It's a comedy! Then Neil tells us about "The Sparks Brothers." It's a documentary about Los Angeles brothers Ron and Russell who, growing up in the 60s, got by on a heavy diet of popcorn matinees and pop music until the spotlight of school talent shows illuminated their way on a musical journey as the Sparks and spawned 25 studio albums. Bill McCuddy fills us in on "The Dry." It stars Eric Bana as a federal agent who returns to his home town after an absence of over twenty years to attend the funeral of his childhood friend,

Well here we are. The "Unofficial Start of Summer" and the entertainment industry has cooked up a virtual feast for your holiday weekend. First there's "Cruella." Disney's live-action origin story of the villain from "101 Dalmations" with Emma Stone in the title role along with Emma Thompson. It's got dogs, it's got scenery, it's got a 70s soundtrack, but is it worth traveling to a theater to see on a busy weekend? We'll let you know. Then there's the "Friends" reunion show on HBO Max. That's the one where the once incredibly cute cast is lured from their mansions (and maybe rehab) to talk about their golden days on their once must-see sitcom. There are celebrity guests, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and James Corden on hand to ask softball questions. Neil, a big "Friends" fan, will tell you all about it. And it wouldn't be a weekend without a zombie movie, so we'll tell you about Zack Snyder's "Army of the Dead" now streaming on Netflix." It takes place in Las Vegas. Think "Ocean's 11" but with zombies. Bill Mc

Things are loosening up out there! In fact, we've even been able to see movies in an actual theater. And so can you! Ah, but is it worth having a stranger point a thermometer at your head while you hold your popcorn? Well, we can tell you it is for the right movie. And Bill Bregoli tells us that may very well be "A Quiet Place Part 2" which is finally about to open in theaters after being held back for an entire year due to, well, you know. Bill saw it in a theater with other people and he's alive to tell you what it was like. Neil tells us about "Those Who Would See Me Dead" starring Angelina Jolie as the best looking firefighter you've ever see. It's available on HBO Max as well as in theaters. Bill McCuddy fills us in on "The Woman in the Window" which was supposed to be in theaters but is now on Netflix so you could just stay home and see it - but listen to what he has to say first. We've also got the indie thriller "Goodbye Honey" as well as "Four Good Days" which stars Mila Kunis and Glenn Close. And wh

Spring 2021 is turning out to be a wet one. But that means you can stay indoors and watch something. And boy do we have some interesting options for you. First there's "Wrath of Man" which stars Jason Statham as H, a cold and mysterious character working at a cash truck company responsible for moving hundreds of millions of dollars around Los Angeles each week. He's just started working there and he's already way too good at it. What gives? It's directed by Guy Ritchie. Bill McCuddy and Bill Bregoli both saw it and they'll tell you what they think of it. And as an added bonus, Bill Bregoli will tell you what it was like to see it in an actual movie theater (remember those?). Neil Rosen will fill you in on "Here Today" which stars Neil's favorite old man Bill Crystal as a veteran comedy writer named Charlie Burnz who meets New York street singer Emma Payge (Tiffany Haddish), and they form an unlikely yet hilarious and touching friendship. Awww. Then there's the HBO documentary "The Crime of the Century." It'

While the rest of the country was losing their shirts at the Kentucky Derby we gathered together and put out money where are mouths are - the movies. First Bill Bregoli tells us about the animated Netflix family adventure "The Mitchel;s vs the Machines" with the voices of Abbi Jacobsen, Danny McBride and Maya Rudolph which was produced by the guys who did "The Lego Movie." Neil tells us about the fourth season of "The Handmaid's Tale" which he seems to be liking again and Bill McCuddy tells us about "Tom Clancy's Without Remorse" with Micheal B. Jordan. And then we move on to "Mortal Kombat" which is making money hand over fist at the box-office. There's also the dramedy "Together Together" starring Ed Helms as well as the documentary "Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street." And if that's not enough there's the Amanda Seyfried horror flick "Things Heard & Seen" and Bill M looks back at "Headhunters." We also look at the career of the late Olympia Dukakis. So get yourself in the starting gate and listen

Alright, you watched them just like we did. Well, maybe you gave up after a while. A short while probably. But we watched the whole thing. From the fancy steadycam sort of political beginning, through the embarrassing Glenn Close dance number, all the way to the worst ending since the Vietnam war. Sure, it was nice that no one got played off - even the winners for Best Sound. But what was all that stuff about it "going to be like a movie"? And why was it so dull? When a Korean grandmother is the funniest person on the show... Anyway, listen in and you'll hear what we think went wrong. And if you agree, or even if you don't, let us know what you think! But first, listen in!

This year's bizarre awards season is (finally) coming to end. The Oscars are coming! Who's going to win? Who really should win? Does anybody care? We'll answer the first two questions in our usual smartypants fashion. And speaking of actual Oscar nominated movies we start with "Another Round" which stars Mads Mikkelsen as a slightly inebriated teacher. It's up for Best Director and Best International Film. Then we've got "Trigger Point" which stars Barry Pepper as a former secret operative on the run. Then there's the nature documentary "The Year Earth Changed." We've talked about "Call My Agent" before but Neil has actually finished watching all of it so he'll tell you what he thinks of it and has some news about the series as well. And Bill McCuddy caught the original "Westworld." How does it age after all these years? He'll let you know. So listen in!

It's Spring! Birds are flying, bees are buzzing, flowers are making you sneeze and Melisa McCarthy has a new movie on Netflix. It's called "Thunder Force" and it's written and director by her husband Ben Falcone. Is it a good idea to make a movie with your spouse? We'll let you know. Neil has the futuristic sci-fi flick "Voyagers" in which a very good looking crew of astronauts on a multi-generational mission descend into paranoia and madness, not knowing what is real or not. Sound like your cup of tea? How about the HBO Max series "Frayed"? Bill McCuddy tells us about this series in which a wealthy London housewife is forced to return to her hometown in Australia, where she's forced to confront her past and the reasons that caused her to leave years ago. And speaking of HBO Max, Bill Bregoli has been watching their new series "Made For Love" which stars the talented Cristin Milioti as a young woman, on the run after 10 years in a suffocating marriage to a tech billionaire, who suddenly realizes that her husb

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! There's a monster movie opening. Just what you want to see in a newly reopened theater after all those weeks sitting at home. "Godzilla vs Kong" not only has a star studded cast including Alexander Skarsgard, Millie Bobbie Brown and Rebecca Hall, it's got two of the biggest monsters in movie history - Godzilla and King Kong. The last time these two titans tussled was 1962 and you probably weren't even born then. Is it worth the wait? We'll let you know. Then we've got the latest middle-aged action film "Nobody" starring Bob Odenkirk as a mild mannered bystander who intervenes to help a woman being harassed by a group of men and becomes the target of a vengeful drug lord. And for fans of "quirky" movies there's "French Exit" starring Michelle Pfeiffer as an aging Manhattan socialite living on what's barely left of her inheritance who moves to a small apartment in Paris with her son and cat. Sound like fun? We've also got the WWII thriller "Six Minutes to Midnight" which stars Judi Denc

That strange sound you hear is superhero movie fans rejoicing because "Zack Snyder's Justice League is now streaming on HBO Max. It's the director's original vision for the movie that was released in truncated form back in 2017. It's also 4 hours and 2 minutes long. Is it worth the wait? We;ll let you know. Then there's the Netflix documentary "Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal" which tells how rich people got their not always deserving kids into elite colleges - and then went to jail for it. Neil Rosen tells us about watching all of "Ted Lasso" and Bill McCuddy tells us about the reopening of the fabled "Friar's Club." Bill Bregoli introduces us to the new Netflix action series "Sky Rojo." It's a lot for one podcast unlike the Zack Snyder movie you won't have to wait years for so listen in!

You may not have been to the movies in over a year but that doesn't stop Hollywood. The 2021 Oscar nominations are out. While you may not think awards are a big deal (Rosamund Pike buries hers in her yard) the studios do. So listen in to what we think of this years crop. Are they truly more diverse this year? Who got snubbed? Will anybody even watch? Meanwhile there are things to watch. Bill Bregoli tells us about "Sound of Metal" which got several Oscar nominations including Best Actor for Riz Ahmed. Bill McCuddy has caught up with "Ted Lasso" and Neil watched "Lupin" as well as all six seasons of "Younger" which stars Sutton Foster as a single mother who is mistaken for being younger than she really is and decides to take the chance to reboot her career and her love life as a 26-year old. And we've got "Yes Day" which stars Jennifer Garner and Edgar Ramirez as a mom and dad who usually say no but decide to say yes to their kids' wildest requests on a whirlwind day of fun and adventure. Our podcast is also