Sitting Around Talking Movies

Hey, you found us! And boy are we happy you did. In this week's episode we look at "The Good Liar" which stars Ian McKellen as a con artist who dates a lonely widow played by Helen Mirren. It's directed by Bill Condon who did "Gods and Monsters" with MccKellen. Is this as good? Then we talk about "The Report" which stars Adam Driver and Annette Bening. It's about idealistic Senate staffer Daniel J. Jones, who is tasked by his boss to lead an investigation into the CIA's post 9/11 Detention and Interrogation Program, and uncovers shocking secrets. Then there's the Netflix series "Unbelievable" which stars Toni Collette and Kaitlyn Dever. Its' based on the true story of Marie, a teenager who was charged with lying about having been raped, and the two female detectives who followed the path to the truth. But wait, there's more! We also talk about The Critics Choice Documentary Awards and the possibility of a "Friends" reunion show...Listen in!

It's all about relationships this week. Sure, the first movie is called "Ford v Ferrari" but it's really about the relationship between the legendary Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale) as they tried to bring the Ford Motor Co. a victory over Ferrari in the 1966 24 Hours of LeMans. And it's based on a true story. Then it's "The Morning Show, a streaming show about a morning TV show featuring Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon and Billy Crudup. And then there's Modern Love, yet another streaming show but this one is based on a series of NY Times articles (excited yet?) on romance and relationships. It too has a roster of big stars including Anne Hathaway, Tina Fey, Catherine Keener and Julia Garner. But are the big stars enough to make it interesting? Listen in!

Franchises have come and gone over the years but "Terminator" has been with us for decades. It's gone through some changes but now James Cameron has come back to produce along with Arnold Schwarzenegger and brought back Linda Hamilton as well. Oh and some nice youngsters too. It sounds like a nice way to revive the old cyborg drama but does it work? Then there's the historical drama "Harriet" about civil rights icon Harriet Tubman. And history gets a strange satirical twist in "Jojo Rabbit" in which Hitler befriends a small boy. Then Bill Bregoli tells us about "Zombieland: Double Tap. Oh and that's not all. We've also got "Motherless Brooklyn" featuring writer/director/actor Edward Norton. Plus Bill McCuddy has a personal remembrance of the late Hollywood prducer Robert Evans. It all goes by in a flash too. If podcasts got quotes like movies do we'd call this "Taught, Tense and Terrific!" But don't take our word for it. Listen in!

We had so much to talk about at this year's Hamptons International Film Festival that we had to do our podcast in two parts. In part two we start with "Red Penguins." It was a last-minute entry into the festival and you'll be able to tell why the festival's director was so eager to get it in there. We talk to director Gabe Polsky about his depiction of capitalism and opportunism run amok - complete with gangsters, strippers and live bears serving beer on a hockey rink in Moscow. It all happened when the Pittsburgh Penguins bought the fabled Russian National Hockey Team. And you'll hear from Steven Warshaw, whose job it was to make the whole deal come together. Then we hear from Tania Cypriano. She made "Born to Be" which tells how Dr. Jess Ting took on a new role as the lead gender-affirming suregeon at the Mount Sinai Center. It's as current a topic as there is now days. And finally, we have director Matthew Miele who talks to us about his documentary "Alan Pakula: Going for the Truth." It's all about the di

It's hard to believe it's been a whole year but here we are again at one of our favorite venues: The Hamptons International Film Festival. It's where we get to get up close and personal with some talented filmmakers and ask them about heir fascinating films and this year was especially fun. We start by talking to Ebs Burnough about his documentary "The Capote Tapes" which fetatures never-before-heard interviews and is a revelatory glimpse into author Truman Capote's life and work. Then Lesley Chilcott tells us about "Watson" which introduces us to Paul Watson, a lifelong defender of underwater ecosystems and environmental activist. The film also tells of the price he's paid for his fierce struggle. And finally, we have "Scandalous." Filmmaker Mark Landsman's probing look into the National Enquirer and tells how the sensational tabloid has pushed its own particular brand of fake news from the fringe into the mainstream. And that's not all folks!! Stay tuned for Part Two of our interviews from the Hamptons Inte

You've heard the hype, you've seen the scary news stories, "Joker" is now in theaters. There are fears of violence mixed with Oscar buzz. Yeah, fine, but is it worth all the hysteria? Bill Bregoli has seen it and Bill McCuddy calls in from a theater where he's just watched the movie and tells us some interesting things that theater-goers are experiencing. There's also a new Eddi Murphy movie called "Dolemite Is My Name" and many are calling it his come-back. Is it? We also discuss "Pain and Glory," the latest from Pedro Almodovar. And we'll also tell you where to see Neil and Bill McCuddy on TV! Please don't hyperventilate.

Fall is here (not that you can tell by the weather) and the award-bait movies are coming. The first is "Judy" starring Renee Zellweger as Judy Garland in the waning days of her career. She's getting Oscar buzz for this one and we'll let you know what we think. Then there's "The Day Shall Come," a dark comedy about terrorists and the FBI featuring Anna Kendrick, Dennis O'Hare and Jim Gaffigan. We also look back at last Sunday's Emmy Awards broadcast which broke a record - but not the good kind. Just like the Oscars this year it had no host. Did it work as well? Neil looks at Ken Burns' PBS documentary on Country Music and Bill McCuddy tells us about "Anna" from famed action director Luc Besson. The leaves haven't started falling yet so you have no excuse - listen in!

We're looking toward the stars this week. Brad Pitt has a space movie called "Ad Astra." Directed by James Gray it also features Donald Sutherland, Liv Tyler (blink and you'll miss her) and Tommy Lee Jones. It's getting all sorts of buzz but is it worth it? We'll bring everythiing back to earth. Then there's "Corporate Animals," a dark comedy starring Demi Moore. Is America ready for Demi in a comedy? Neil talks about the Alec Baldwin roast on Comedy Central. And finally, we look at this weekend's Emmy Awards. Who's gonna win? Who should win? Listen in!

The superhero movies are taking a break and Fall is on the way. And this week we've got "Hustlers" which stars Constance Wu, Jennifer Lopez, Cardi B and Julia Stiles. It's based on a true story about a crew of savvy former strip club employees who band together to turn the tables on their Wall Street clients. Sure it's got J-Lo in her skivvies, but is it any good? We'll let you know. Then there's the current box-office champ "It: Chapter Two" which not only stars the kids you grew to love in the original but famous actors playing their characters as grown-ups. The first one scared up a lot of business but how will this one do? And then there's "Where's My Roy Cohn?." It's a thriller-like documentary about the infamous lawyer who personified the dark arts of American politics and inspired a president who shall remain nameless (go ahead, guess). ANd we take a quick look at the upcoming prestigious movies we're looking forward to.

Blame global warming or just hot air coming from Washington DC, but whatever the cause, the summer heat just won't stop this year. It's nuts, and that means there's nothing better than OPAC (Other People's Air Conditioning) And there's no better place for that than your local theater. And even though the movie companies aren't exactly putting out their most prestige product that doesn't mean there aren't some interesting films to catch up on. We've taken the trouble to find several for you. For instance there's a fascinating documentary on the musical "Fidler on the Roof" which tells how it went from failure to fabled. Then there's the drama "Luce," It stars Tim Roth and Naomi Watts as a married couple forced to reckon with their idealized image of their son, adopted from war-torn Eritrea, after an alarming discovery by a devoted high school teacher (Octavia Spencer) threatens his status as an all-star student. And there's "Brittany Runs a Marathon" staring Jillian Bell who seeks to take control of her life b

There are back-to-school sales everywhere now and Hollywood has its own version. It's called "August." There are good movies and not so good movies too. And the TV, cable and streaming services are doing it as well. Luckily we've had a chance to look at a lot of it. We've got this week's raunchy comedy "Good Boys" which Bill Bregoli tells us features sixth-graders, drugs, swearing and, uh, sex toys. There's also "Blinded by the Light" about a Pakistani boy in 1980s England who worships Bruce Springsteen. Not to mention the current box-office champ "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw." Bill McCuddy talks about the finale of "The Loudest Voice in the Room." Neil tells us in no uncertain terms what he thought of the third season of "A Handmaid's Tale." Bill Bregoli talks about the second season of "Derry Girls" as well as the third seeason of "GLOW." And finally, Bill McCuddy talks about show should be cast in the inevitable movie about Jeffrey Epstein. Admit it, you've been thinking the same thing yo

It's one of the most anticipated movies of the year. It's also the latest from Quentin Tarantino. And it's here (and also 2 hours and 40 minutes long). "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood"  has got an all-star ensemble cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Ptt, Margot Robbie and a whole lot of A-list stars. But what's it like? We'll let you know. Then there's "Skins" starring Jamie Bell and Danielle Macdonald. It's about a destitute young man, raised by racist skinheads and notorious among white supremacists, turns his back on hatred and violence to transform his life, with the help of a black activist and the woman he loves. What's not to love? Plus there's a new all-time box-office champ in town. That's right, "Avatar" has relinquished its crown. What does it mean (if anything)? We try and figure it out.

In real-life, lions scare most all the other jungle creatures and Disney's newest version of "The Lion King" has scared all the other studios. Which is why it's the only movie opening wide this week. And if you've seen the previews you know it's not a cartoon like the 1994 original. It's the most amazing CGI you've ever seen. But what does that do to the story? After all, lions don't really dance, so does the new realism hurt or help. We'll let you know what we think. Plus Bill Bregoli tells what it was like to work in a broadcast facility right in the middle of last Saturday's backout in mid-town New York. And speaking on mid-town New York, there's a movie theater there we'd like your help saving. Bill McCuddy talks abou thosting a charity dinner and Neil asks Bill what he thinks of some new rumors floating around about a female James Bond, sort of.

We're smack dab in the middle of the summer movie season and some pundits are saying things are pretty awful - at least compared to other summers. Are Franchises even holding up? What about original films? We take a look at what's been said about not only this season but the movie business as a whole. We also take a quick look at Aziz Ansari's Netflix special and his #MeToo problem. Plus Bill Mccuddy gives his unique take on "The Loudest Voice" which is Showtimes series about Fox News Chariman Roger Ailes. Bill worked for Roger Ailes and new him personally and you should definitely check out what his perspective is on the show. Neil talks about the Hollywood Reporter's roudtables with comedy actors and actresses which you can watch on YouTube. And we bid goodbye to MAD magazine. What, us worry?

It's finally summer and already you may want to duck the heat or escape your family's barbecue by going to the movies for some OPAC (other people's air conditioning). And what a selection we have for you this week. First there's "Annabelle Comes Home" which is the next film in the "Conjuring" franchise (yes, it's a franchise now). It's got Vera Farmiga, Partick Wilso, some teenage girls and an evil doll. Then there's "Yesterday." It asks the question "What if no one remebered the Beatles? RIchard Curtis, who wrote "4 Weddings and  Funeral" wrote it and Danny Boyle of "Trainspotting" fame directed it. And it almost wouldn't be summer without Spider-Man so we have "Spider-Man Far From Home" which sends Peter Parker to Europe for fun and adventure and lots of landmarks destroyed with CGI. Then Neil tells us about "Loudest Voice," the Showtime series with Russell Crowe starring and the infamous Fox News creator Roger Ailes. Oh and we also discuss the future of movie theaters.

"Toy Story 4" is here. Yes, it's the 4th. It's not only a movie, it's a cash cow. But is franchise fatique setting in? We'll let you know. And there's a new Adam Sandler movie too - It's on Netflix and its called "Murder Mystery" (no doubt yhey paid a marketing company big money to come up with that title). Jennifer Aniston co-stars and it's a murder mystery, in case you haven't figured that out yet. Bill Bregoli talks about a new Netflix series called "Trinkets" about teenage shoplifters and Neil discusses the 2nd seaon of "Big Little Lies." Bill McCuddy tells us about the controversial new HBO series "Euphoria" as well as a sports documentary on Ron Artest. Neil is all excited by the rebirth of TV game shows and if you're thinking you might get big money for your old DVDs Bill McCuddy has a cautionary tale.

If there really is an "urban legend" out there it's "Shaft." The original was a gritty urban thriller with a wah-wah pedal sountrack that's unforgetable and starred Richard Roundtree. This new one stars Samuel L. Jackson and Jessie T. Usher as well as Richard Roundtree and it's an action/comedy. Does that work in this day and age? Will you miss the grit? Then we've got "The Dead Don't Die" which has a remarkable cast including Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Tom Waits, Chloe Sevigny, Steve Buscemi and Danny Glover. And it's directed by Jim Jarmusch. Can a movie with such a cast miss? And then we've got "Late Night" with the very busy Emma Thompson and Mindy Kaling. It takes place in the world of late-night talk shows which is a favorite topic of Neil's. And finally Neil takes on the Tony Awards show which took place in New York last Sunday. It awards Broadway shows (mostly based on movies these days) which no one who live in New York can actually afford to see. At least not the person who writes this description. C

The latest and possibly last "X-Men" movie is out and it's called "Dark Phoenix." It stars Sophie Turner of "Game of Thrones" fame as Jean Grey and it continues this year's trend of killing off super heroes whose contracts have expired. It's also got lots of effects. Lots. Will it continue the "X-Men" franchise or kill it off? Then there's the documentary "Framing John DeLorean" about the ill-fated automaker who created a car probably best known for it's appearance in the "Back to the Future" movies. But there's much more to this story than that. Bill McCuddy looks at the HBO mini-series "Chernobyl" which stars Jared Harris and is based on true and horrifying events. Bill Bregoli has the HBO documentary "The Cold Blue" which features footage originally shot for William Wyler's "Memphis Belle" and has interviews with real WWII vets. Neil talks about attending the press day for the third season of "The Handmaid's Tale" and apparently he let them know what he thinks about it. How did that go over? Listen in! 

"Rocketman" is blasting off in theaters this weekend. But is it a biopic or a musical? Maybe both? It's got Taron Egerton of the "Kingsman" movies playing Elton John. And singing too. It's not like "Bohemian Rhapsody" either. So what is it? Neil and Bill Bregoli thrash it out. And there's "Godzilla: King of Monsters" this weekend too. Bill Bregoli was the only one brave enough to see it. And you'll here what two of the cast members have to say about it. Bill McCuddy looks at "The Upside" with Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston which is now on demand. And we wonder aloud why "Booksmart," with great reviews and word-of-mouth, didn't do better at the box-office. Plus Neil will tell you where you can see "Talking Pictures with Neil Rosen" on TV and Bill McCuddy tells where and when you can see him do stand-up comedy. There's a lot to consider and it's all right here. 

Oh boy it's Memorial Day weekend. Time to go to the beach or the swimming hole. But wait, the water is still too cold and you don't fit into last year's swimsuit anyway. So why not go to the movies? The movie studios are all ready for you. For example, Disney went and made a live-action remake of "Aladdin." This time it's got Will Smith stepping into the curl-toed slippers of Robin Williams and playing the Genie. And it's directed by Guy Ritchie who did "Lock, Stock and Two Broken Barrels" and the "Sherlock Holmes" movies with Robert Downey Jr. Ah, but can he make a Disney movie? And there's also "Booksmart." It's a teen comedy directed by actress/first time director Olivia Wilde and it's being hailed as the new great teen comedy for our time or something like that. And then there's "Echo in the Canyon." It's a documentary about how the music produced in Larel Canyon California influence a whole generation and even the Beatles. Oh, and there's the new Netflix series "Dead to Me." Why it's enough to make you s