Podcast Like It's 1999

We’re kicking off our brand-new Beyoncé in the Movies Mini-Series with a groovy start: Austin Powers in Goldmember! Phil and Emily are joined by writer, comedian, and Beyoncé superfan Akilah Hughes to break down Queen Bey’s feature film debut as the iconic Foxxy Cleopatra.From Mike Myers’ chaotic brand of early-2000s comedy to Beyoncé’s effortless star power, we dive into how Goldmember captured a cultural moment—and how Beyoncé completely stole the show. We also unpack the movie’s outrageous gags, surprisingly stacked cast, and whether the Austin Powers franchise still holds up today (spoiler: it’s complicated).Is Goldmember the ultimate time capsule of early-2000s pop culture? And how did it hint at Beyoncé’s massive future in film and music? Tune in for a hilarious and nostalgic conversation to find out!Follow Akilah Hughes:Instagram: @akilahhBluesky: @akilahh.bsky.social#Goldmember #AustinPowers #Beyonce #PodcastLikeIts2000s #AkilahHughes #FoxxyCleopatra #2000sComedy #PopCulturePodcast #FilmDiscussion #Be

Surprise, Swifties and sleuths! For our April Fools’ bonus episode, Phil and Emily hit pause on the movie talk to investigate one of the most unexpected pop culture crossovers of the 2000s: Taylor Swift’s guest appearance on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation—yes, really.In this chaotic and deeply unserious deep dive, we break down the 2009 episode “Turn, Turn, Turn,” where Taylor plays a rebellious teen who journals, wears eyeliner, and may or may not be involved in a murder. We discuss her acting chops (or lack thereof), how this episode somehow turns into a montage of three separate crimes, and why this CSI arc feels like a Black Mirror episode we hallucinated.Along the way, we spiral into discussions about Cats, Les Misérables, My Chemical Romance, and the long-lost dream of Gaylor. If you’ve ever wanted to hear two film nerds try to unpack goth Taylor Swift getting murdered with scissors on CBS primetime… this is the episode for you.#CSI #TaylorSwift #TurnTurnTurn #PodcastLikeIts2000s #AprilFools #SwiftTok #

We’re wrapping up our Tom Cruise Mini-Series with a high-octane bonus episode, and we’ve brought in the big guns to help us finish strong! Phil and Emily are joined by returning guests Drew Taylor (The Wrap) and Charles Hood (Night Owls, A Better You) to rank their Top 5 Tom Cruise Movies of All Time.From iconic action roles to underrated dramatic turns, we break down the performances, the stunts, the charisma, and the sheer Cruise-ness that made him one of the biggest movie stars on the planet. Expect passionate debates, deep-cut favorites, and plenty of love for the man who runs in every movie.

Phil and Emily continue their Tom Cruise Mini-Series with the 2008 historical thriller Valkyrie, and they’re joined by writer David Iserson (Mr. Robot, Mad Men, New Girl) to dig into one of the most unexpected and serious turns in Cruise’s 2000s filmography.Directed by Bryan Singer, Valkyrie dramatizes the real-life plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler, with Cruise portraying German officer Claus von Stauffenberg. Together, they unpack the film’s tonal tightrope, its ambitious historical scope, and the curious creative choices—like Cruise playing a German colonel with an American accent.Is Valkyrie a misunderstood thriller or just a strange blip in Cruise’s action-packed decade? Tune in for a thoughtful—and fun—conversation that revisits this fascinating film.Follow David Iserson:Instagram: @davidisersonTwitter: @davidiserson#Valkyrie #TomCruise #PodcastLikeIts2000s #DavidIserson #BryanSinger #HistoricalThrillers #ClausVonStauffenberg #2000sCinema #FilmDiscussion #TomCruiseMiniSeries #PopCulturePodcast Hosted on

Phil and Emily continue their Tom Cruise Mini-Series with one of the wildest entries in his filmography—Ben Stiller’s 2008 Hollywood satire Tropic Thunder! Joining them for the ride are writer/producer Chuck Hayward (WandaVision, Ted Lasso) and screenwriter Kenny Neibart, who help break down the film’s razor-sharp commentary, outrageous performances, and Cruise’s unforgettable (and totally unhinged) turn as studio executive Les Grossman.From method acting mayhem to behind-the-scenes chaos, the crew explores why Tropic Thunder remains one of the most daring (and controversial) comedies of the 2000s. How did Cruise steal the movie with just a few scenes? What still works—and what doesn’t—in 2024? And how did this film even get made in the first place?Get ready for a no-holds-barred discussion on one of the most talked-about comedies of its time.

Phil and Emily continue their Tom Cruise Mini-Series with a deep dive into the 2007 political drama Lions for Lambs.

Phil and Emily continue their Tom Cruise Mini-Series with the adrenaline-fueled Mission: Impossible III!

Phil and Emily continue their Tom Cruise Mini-Series with one of the most intense blockbusters of the 2000s—Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds!

This week, Phil and Emily continue their journey through 2000s cinema with Nights in Rodanthe, the 2008 Nicholas Sparks adaptation that brought Richard Gere and Diane Lane back together for another romantic whirlwind. Joining them is filmmaker and writer Jessica Ellis, who helps unpack why this film leans into peak Sparks melodrama—complete with stormy nights, second chances, and plenty of emotional turmoil.From its sweeping coastal setting to its tearjerker ending, we break down how Nights in Rodanthe fits into the Nicholas Sparks cinematic universe, what makes it stand out from (or get lost among) his other adaptations, and why the 2000s were such a golden era for sentimental romance.Grab your tissues and join us for a deep dive into one of the decade’s most Nicholas Sparks-y movies.

In this riveting episode, hosts Phil and Emily sit down with Emmy Potter and Carrie Wittmer to explore the enigmatic cult classic Nothebook. Hailing from the 2000s, this film broke the mold with its innovative narrative, striking visuals, and offbeat humor that still resonates today.Join us as our guests share fresh insights on how Nothebook challenged traditional storytelling and influenced a generation of filmmakers and audiences alike. From behind-the-scenes anecdotes to deep dives into its thematic layers, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves a good cinematic mystery from the 2000s.Tune in now to relive the magic of the decade and rediscover one of its most intriguing films!#Nothebook #PodcastLikeIts2000s #2000sMovies #CultClassic #FilmDiscussion #PopCulturePodcast #Nostalgia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this heartfelt episode, Phil and Emily dive into the tender world of A Walk to Remember, the 2002 teen romance that left a lasting imprint on early-2000s cinema. Joined by film critic Alissa Wilkinson from Vox, the trio explores the movie’s emotional journey—from its understated charm and iconic performances by Mandy Moore and Shane West to its poignant themes of love, loss, and transformation.Together, they unpack how this beloved classic not only captured the spirit of a generation but also redefined what a teen romance could be. Whether you're reminiscing about your first love or discovering the film for the first time, join us for an intimate conversation that proves A Walk to Remember is truly timeless.Follow Alissa Wilkinson on Twitter: @alissawilkinsonTune in now and relive the magic of early-2000s romance! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Phil and Emily continue their Tom Cruise Mini-Series with Michael Mann’s sleek and stylish Collateral!

Phil and Emily continue their Tom Cruise Mini-Series with a deep dive into Edward Zwick’s sweeping 2003 historical epic, The Last Samurai. Joined by esteemed film critic Bilge Ebiri (New York Magazine), they explore Tom Cruise’s transformation into a disillusioned American soldier who finds redemption and purpose within the samurai culture of 19th-century Japan.From its breathtaking cinematography and stirring performances to its complex cultural themes and historical context, the trio unpacks why The Last Samurai remains a fascinating—and sometimes polarizing—entry in Cruise’s filmography. Is it a flawed epic, a cinematic triumph, or somewhere in between? Tune in to this thoughtful discussion to find out!Follow Bilge Ebiri:Twitter: @BilgeEbiri#TheLastSamurai #PodcastLikeIts2000s #TomCruise #BilgeEbiri #EdwardZwick #HistoricalEpics #2000sCinema #PopCulturePodcast #FilmDiscussion #TomCruiseMiniSeries Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Phil and Emily continue their Tom Cruise Mini-Series with Steven Spielberg’s gripping 2002 sci-fi thriller Minority Report! Starring Cruise at the height of his action-star powers, this adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s story explores a dystopian future where crimes can be predicted—and prevented—before they happen.Joined by the brilliant Libby Hill (IndieWire), the trio dives into the film’s groundbreaking visuals, innovative tech concepts, and thought-provoking themes about free will, morality, and the price of preemptive justice. Why does Minority Report still feel so relevant two decades later? Tune in for this lively and thought-provoking discussion!Follow Libby Hill:Twitter: @midwestspitfire#MinorityReport #PodcastLikeIts2000s #TomCruise #StevenSpielberg #LibbyHill #PhilipKDick #SciFiMovies #TomCruiseMiniSeries #2000sCinema #PopCulturePodcast #MovieTalk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Tom Cruise mini-series continues as Phil and Emily dive into the dreamlike, mind-bending world of Vanilla Sky!

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to join Phil and Emily as they launch their brand-new Tom Cruise mini-series with a deep dive into Mission: Impossible II!

Hold onto your striped hats!

It’s time to get festive with Nicolas Cage!

It’s the season for cozy rom-coms and holiday cheer!

All aboard!