Sitting Around Talking Movies

The annual Critics Choice Awards aired last Sunday night and since we're dues paying members of the Critics Choice organization we watched the show while you were probably watching something else that we'll get to later. Anyway, the three of us (Niel Rosen, Bill McCuddy and Bill Bregoli) cast our votes for the Critics Choice Awards and it's a good thing we didn't put any money on the outcome. But we'll tell you who we voted for and who actually won. You, on the other hand, were probably watching Oprah Winfrey's interview with Meghan Markle and Harry the red-haired prince. It certainly got a lot of press (and viewers) so we'll tell you what we think of the whole thing. Oh, and there were other things we watched too - like "Moxie" which is Amy Poehler's directorial debut. It stars Hadley Robinson as a shy 16-year-old who's fed up with the sexist and toxic status quo at her high school,so she finds inspiration from her mother's rebellious past and anonymously publishes a zine that sparks a school-wide, coming-of

If you looked carefully during NBC's Three Hour Commercial Marathon last Sunday night you might have noticed there was an award show going on. That was the 2021 Golden Globes. You'd be forgiven for thinking it was a Zoom meeting gone horribly wrong. The Golden Globes were once the fun, and often drunken start to the Awards Season in Hollywood. Well, they did have Tina Fey and Amy Poehler as hosts again but they weren't even in the same place. There weren't many stars on hand either. And if they were drunk they were drunk in their own living rooms. In their pajamas. If this is what's going to happen to the Oscars. We'll talk about that, as well as what's going to happen now that movie theaters are starting to open in New York. Bill Bregoli was brave enough to watch "Tom and Jerry" which was the #1 box-office champ in theaters and he'll tell you what he thought of it. Neil tells us what happened when he watched the English-dubbed version of "Lupin" and Bill McCuddy tells us about the series "Capitani" which tak

Spring hasn't sprung yet, and it's going to be a while, but it's no problem because we've been watching all sorts of movies and TV shows so you can let the time pass by until you can finally go outside. We start with the dark comedy / thriller "I Care A Lot" starring Rosamund Pike as a crooked legal guardian who drains the savings of her elderly wards and meets her match when a woman she tries to swindle turns out to be more than she first appears. Then we've got "The Father" starring Anthony Hopkins as a man who refuses all assistance from his daughter as he ages. And ass he tries to make sense of his changing circumstances, he begins to doubt his loved ones, his own mind and even the fabric of his reality. It's heavy going for sure but it's got awards buzz all over it - is it worth it? We'll let you know. And if that's too heavy for you we've got the frothy comedy "Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar." It's the latest from Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo who last teamed up in the super successful "Bridesmaids."

It may be the dead of winter but there's an awful lot of entertainment out there to take your mind of the weather. And we've sorted through it to tell you just what to watch as you hunker down. First Neil tells us about "The United States vs Billie Holiday" which stars Andra Day as the iconic singer targeted by the Federal Department of Narcotics with an undercover sting operation led by black Federal Agent Jimmy Fletcher, with whom she had a tumultuous affair. Then Bill Bregoli tells us about "Framing Britney Spears" a documentary that's been making the news almost every day lately. Bill McCuddy fills us in on "Pieces of a Woman," a drama which may be hard to watch but has been generating Oscar buzz for its star Vanessa Kirby. Then there are some one-of-a-kind movies such as "Willy's Wonderland" in which star Nicolas Cage doesn't utter a single word, and "Space Sweepers" a Korean space adventure, And for TV fans we look at the new CBS series "Clarice" which purports to be the untold personal story of FBI age

On the same day much of the country gathered to watch an over-hyped football game, we got together to tell you about some (comparatively) under-hyped entertainment options. First there's Judas and the Black Messiah" which is based on a true story and stars Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield. It tells how Fred Hampton, Chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party, was betrayed by an FBI informant, William O'Neal. Then we have the innovative documentary "The Lady and the Dale," which is the story of Elizabeth Carmichael, a larger-than-life entrepreneur, who rose to prominence with her promotion of a fuel-efficient, three-wheeled car known as The Dale. There's much more to the story than that so make sure you listen. Bill McCuddy tells us about the strange world of influencers in "Fake Famous" and Neil fills us in on "Palmer" which stars Justin Timberlake. Oh but there's more, including our take on award nominations and a few other things. As always, we're brought to you by The Accutron show so skip the over-h

You may not be able to tell, but while we were recording this week's podcast New York was being blanketed by about 2 feet of snow. A state of emergency was in effect and roads were impassible. Yet we persevered, and thanks to the magic of zoom we were able to provide you with a cornucopia of entertainment choices. Which may come in handy should you find yourself stuck indoors due to bad weather. We start with "Minari" which is about a Korean family that starts a farm in 1980s Arkansas. Bill McCuddy and Neil Rosen tell you whether it's worth all the Oscar buzz it's been getting. Then there's the new Netflix series "Lupin" in which Omar Sy stars as gentleman thief Assane Diop, who sets out to avenge his father for an injustice inflicted by a wealthy family. There's also "Born a Champion," a drama about the world of MMA competition. Bill Bregoli tells us about "The Truffle Hunters," a documentary set deep in the forests of Piedmont, Italy, where a handful of men, seventy or eighty years young, hunt for the rare

Winter is upon us and it's time to snuggle up with a hot toddy and a good movie. Ah, but there are so many movies to choose from. Yes, but luckily we've been watching a whole slew of things to help you make that all important choice. We start with "The Little Things." It's a crime thriller starring Denzel Washington, Rami Malek and Jared Leto. Big stars, but is it any good. We'll let you know. Then Bill Bregoli tells us about the new Netflix movie "The White Tiger" which is the epic journey of a poor Indian driver who must use his wit and cunning to break free from servitude to his rich masters and rise to the top of the heap. Bill McCuddy tells us about the series "Call My Agent." It's a French serial about the lives and jobs of people working at a talent agency. Then we move on to "Flack" which stars Anna Paquin as an American publicist working for a cutthroat London PR company that represents troubled celebrities. Neil and Bill McCuddy compare notes on "You Honor" and we mark the passing of broadcasting le

Usually there aren't many movies worth talking about this time of year but 2021 is getting off to a pretty good start. Bill McCuddy starts us off by telling us "MLK/FBI," the timely documentary that explores the US government's surveillance and harassment of Martin Luther King, Jr. Neil has "Pretend It's A City" in which the viewer gets to wander the New York City streets and fascinating mind of wry writer, humorist and raconteur Fran Lebowitz as she sits down with Martin Scorsese. Bill Bregoli tells us about a B-movie he enjoyed called "Shadow in the Cloud" which stars Chloe Grace Moretz as a female WWII pilot traveling with top secret documents on a B-17 Flying Fortress who encounters an evil presence on board the flight. Oh, but that's not all. We also look at "My Octopus Teacher," in which a filmmaker forges an unusual friendship with an octopus living in a South African kelp forest. Neil (who is obviously in a New York state of mind) caught up with the documentary "The Rise and Fall of Penn Station." We'

Okay so the world's gone a little crazy in the past week or so. It's fine, just hunker down in your safe room (you do have a safe room don't you?) and listen to us as we tell you what movies and shows can take you mind off the insanity. First there's "I'm Your Woman" starring Rachel Brosnahan as you've never seen her. Then we've got "One Night in Miami." It's a "what if" kind of movie that imagines what would have transpired if Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown had gathered to discuss their roles in the civil rights movement and cultural upheaval of the 60s. And on the somewhat lighter side there's the new Netflix series "History of Swear Words" which is just that. That story of some of your favorite cusses, hosted my none other than Nicolas Cage. Neil tells us about the new sitcom "Mr. Mayor" with Ted Danson (will he never retire?) and Holly Hunter. Bill McCuddy tells us about the thriller "Alone" which he swears will be a sleeper hit. And Bill Bregoli has "Skyfire." He says it's what happens

You popped the cork, you watched the ball drop, and still everything seems the same. Don't worry! We've got a crop of new things for you to watch. We start with "The Croods: A New Age" which stars the voices of Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone and many other A-list stars in an animated sequel which has led the box-office for weeks (until Wonder Woman showed up). Then we've got "Working Man." It's about what happens when a factory closure threatens a small Rust Belt town and one older factory worker continues going to his former job every day, Then Bill McCuddy tells us about director Chris Nolan's latest film "Tenet." Neil tells us what he thought about documentaries on Betty White, John Belushi and the BeeGees as well as the series "Back to Life." And there's more too, including what we thought about that whole New Year's Rockin' Eve with no people around. So give up on a few New Years resolutions and listen in. And remember. it's all brought to you by The Accutron Show.

Here in the midst of the holiday season we've got a special present for you. First we take on "Wonder Woman 1984" which both Bill McCuddy and Bill Bregoli saw and, well, uh, you'll have to listen to what they have to say about it. Let's just say they just might save you two and a half hours of your precious time, not to mention the cost of a subscription to HBO Max. Then Neil Rosen tells us about the new Showtime drama "Your Honor" which stars Bryan Cranston stars as a judge confronting his convictions when his son is involved in a hit and run that embroils an organized crime family. But then the fun really starts when we're joined by our guests Kevin Gootee and Kevin Israel. They're the hosts of the hit podcast Gutting the Sacred Cow. The two Kevins are standup comedians who are film snobs that invite fellow comedians and podcasters to select movies they find overrated or HATE. But here’s the catch: the film they select MUST meet 1 of 3 criteria: financially successful, widely beloved, or critically acclaime

What, you're still waiting for your packages to arrive? Here's something you can open right now. It's our podcast full of holiday fare fresh from Hollywood. We start with "Fatale" which stars Michael Ealy as a successful married man who finds himself entangled in a cunning police detective's latest investigation. And who's the police detective? Why, it's Hilary Swank! What's she doing here? You'll have to hear what we have to say. Then there's "Promising Young Woman" which stars Cary Mulligan as young woman, traumatized by a tragic event in her past, who seeks out vengeance against those who cross her path. It's on a lot of ten-best lists and we'll tell you if it's on ours. Then there's "Soul," which is the latest from Disney/Pixar. It's an animated tale about a musician who has lost his passion for music, is transported out of his body and must find his way back with the help of an infant soul learning about herself. And if you're looking for something with a big star how about "News of the World" which star

You can't shop, you can't go out to eat, there really isn't much else to do this bizarre holiday season except watch stuff. And boy, have we got stuff for you to watch. Do you miss Broadway? Well Netflix has just premiered "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" based on the August Wilson play starring Viola Davis and the late Chadwick Boseman. It's got all sorts of awards buzz and Neil and Bill McCuddy will tell you what they think of it. There's also s Stephen Soderbergh directed movie on HBO Max called "Let Them All Talk" starring Meryl Streep. It was filmed on an actual cruise ship. Uh, yeah, a cruise ship. Bill Bregoli tells us about the hand-drawn animated film "Wolfwalkers" and Bill McCuddy gives us the inside scoop on what Disney has in their pipeline including another "Toy Story" movie and a "Star Wars" film, Neil tells us about Jerry Seinfeld's new book and we'll also talk about "Murder on Middle Beach" which is now streaming on HBO Max. And speaking of HBO Max there's plenty of controversy surround the streamin

If you need a break from online Christmas shopping have we got a podcast for you! Hollywood is (sort of) ramping things up for the holidays and we start with "Mank." It's this year's big offering from Netflix and it stars Gary Oldman as legendary screenwriter Herman Mankiewicz. It's directed by David Fincher in glorious black and white and has Oscar buzz all over it. Should it? We'll let you know in no uncertain terms. And speaking of Oscar buzz - we also have "Nomadland" starring Frances McDormand as a woman in her sixties who, after losing everything in the Great Recession, embarks on a journey through the American West, living as a van-dwelling modern-day nomad. Neil tells us about "The Prom" which stars Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep and James Corden. It's a musical about a troupe of hilariously self-obsessed theater stars swarm into a small conservative Indiana town in support of a high school girl who wants to take her girlfriend to the prom. Has it got your toes tapping? Then there's "Godmothered" which s

While you were dozing after Thanksgiving dinner, Neil Rosen, Bill McCuddy and Bill Bregoli brought their bubbles together to tell you what's worth watching now that you've come out of your food coma. First there's "Run" which stars Sarah Paulson and Kiera Allen. It's a thriller about a teenage girl in a wheelchair who suspects her mom doesn't have her best interests at heart. It's been doing well on Hulu, is it something you should check out? And somehow a Woody Allen movie has been released without any publicity. We'll tell you all about "A Rainy Day in New York." Then there's the new HBO Max series "The Flight Attendant" starring Kaley Cuoco of "The Big Bang Theory." It's been described as "a dark comedy." Is it for you? Neil and Bill McCuddy take on "Ammonite" starring Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan. It's a smoldering love story about two women looking for fossils. Honest. There's also the new HBO series "Industry" about twenty-somethings working in a cutthroat financial firm and the new ABC series "Big Sk

Thanksgiving is coming but it's not quite here yet which is why we've got some "appetizers" to keep you sated entertainment-wise until the big day arrives when you'll be stuck at home with just a few select relatives. And since you probably won't be cooking as much this year you'll have plenty of time to hear our selections. We start off with "Dreamland" which stars Margo Robbie as a woman on the lam and Travis Fimmel as the young man she encounters along the way. Then Neil has Ron Howard's latest "Hillbilly Elegy," which is based on the best selling book about a Yale law student drawn back to his hometown who grapples with family history, Appalachian values and the American dream. Yee-haw. Bill Bregoli tells us about "The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special' which you may have to watch over the holiday if you've got kids at home. Bill McCuddy tells us about "Young Wallander" which is a prequel to the Netflix detective series "Wallander." He also tells us about Lorraine Bracco's HGTV reality show "My Big Italian A

Things are changing out there. And there are all sorts of new things to watch too. Bill McCuddy starts us off with "Let Him Go." It's an intense thriller starring Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as a retired sheriff and his wife, grieving over the death of their son, who set out to find their only grandson. Then there's the HBO miniseries "The Undoing" starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant which shows how life for a successful therapist in New York begins to unravel on the eve of publishing her first book. Neil tells us what ht thought of "Yes, God, Yes" which Bill Bregoli talked about last week. And for action fans Bill McCuddy has "Ave" which stars Jessica Chastain as a deadly assassin who works for a black ops organization, traveling the globe specializing in high profile hits. You believe that, right? And speaking of women in action films Neil tells us about Lashana Lynch being cast as the next 007. And because he also likes women who kick butt, Bill Bregoli tells us about "Two Weeks to Live," the new HBO Ma

There's more than enough news happening right now so we're giving you a chance to take a break and figure out what to watch instead of the news. We start by talking about the passing of Sean Connery and goodness knows there are plenty of James Bond movies you can watch. Since it's also the spooky season Neil talks about "Come Play" which is about monster named Larry that manifests itself through smart phones and mobile devices. Bill Bregoli tells us about "The Craft: Legacy" which sells itself as a continuation of the 1996 cult film. Bill McCuddy delves into the vaults to talk about "I Married a Witch" the 1942 classic starring Frederick March and Veronica Lake as well as 1970's "House of Dark Shadows" which was based on the vampire TV soap opera. Neil tells us he's caught up with "The Queen's Gambit" which Bill Bregoli told us about last week and he's also caught up with "On the Rocks" which stars Bill Murray. Bill Bregoli tells us about a movie Netflix recommended to him called "Yes, God, Yes." It's a teen

We start this week's podcast with a film that's making headlines: "Borat: Subsequent Movie Film" has gotten all sorts of press so Neil and Bill McCuddy have checked it out and not only will they tell you if it's funny, they'll also break down the controversial scene involving a national politician. Bill Bregoli tells us about "The Queen's Gambit" which stars Anya Taylor-Joy as a troubled chess prodigy. And Bill McCuddy updates us on James Toback's surprise release "Imperfect Murder." We also discuss the Showtime documentary series "The Comedy Store" about the famous nightclub run by Mitzi Shore. Neil tells us about a "Seinfeld" reunion show he saw (it's still available for you to watch too) as well as "The Witches" which stars Anne Hathaway as, you guessed it, a witch. Plus Bill McCuddy has a great film with a name we can't type here. Suffice it to say it's "&$%# House." And we also talk about the demise of Quibi, which apparently won't be missed. But we'd miss you, so listen in!!!

We're used to watching lots of movies but sometimes we even amaze ourselves. Take this week for example. We start with "The Trial of the Chicago 7" which is written and directed by Aaron Sorkin and stars Eddie Redmayne, Sacha Baron Cohen, Mark Rylance, Frank Langella and a whole lot of really good actors. Then there's "On the Rocks" which is written and directed by Sophia Coppola and stars Bill Murray, Rashida Jones and Marlon Wayans. It's about a writer who suspects her husband of infidelity...but it's got Bill Murray! There's also "Rebecca," a remake of the Alfred Hitchcock classic and "Spontaneous" which is about high school kids who spontaneously combust. Now that's a concept! And we've got documentaries too. Like "Thrive 2" and "The Phenomenon." If that's not enough for you it may be a good idea to seek professional help.