Podcast Like It's 1999

Phil and Emily continue their miniseries on Oscar winning Best Director follow ups from the 2000s with Road to Perdition, Sam Mendes’ ambitious second feature after American Beauty. Joining them is film journalist and podcaster Blake Howard (One Heat Minute Productions), who helps unpack the film’s technical brilliance, subdued emotional core, and unique place in early 2000s cinema.Together, they dive into Mendes’ leap from stage to screen, the film’s striking cinematography from Conrad Hall, and how Tom Hanks’ against type performance reshaped audience expectations. The conversation explores Paul Newman’s final live action role, Jude Law’s scene stealing menace, and Daniel Craig’s early career turn as one of cinema’s most dangerous nepo babies. They also debate Thomas Newman’s Oscar nominated score, the film’s release strategy, and how it stands among Mendes’ eclectic career from Jarhead to Skyfall and beyond.With insights ranging from Jude Law’s underrated presence to the legacy of Paul Newman and Tom Hanks

Phil and Emily continue their miniseries on Oscar-winning Best Director follow-ups from the 2000s with Steven Soderbergh’s effortlessly cool Ocean’s 11. Joined by screenwriter Liz Hannah and producer Brian Millikin, they unpack how this slick, stylish remake redefined the modern heist film. From its razor-sharp script and effortless ensemble chemistry to Soderbergh’s precision, tonal balance, and inventive production choices, the discussion explores how Ocean’s 11 rose above formula to become a timeless crowd-pleaser. Along the way, they dive into character dynamics, behind-the-scenes decisions, and the film’s lasting place in early 2000s cinema—all while celebrating the undeniable charm of Clooney, Pitt, and company.If you enjoy this episode and want even more deep-dive film discussions, exclusive mini-series, and bonus content, join our Patreon community at patreon.com/PodcastLikeIts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are kicking off a brand new miniseries on Oscar-winning Best Director follow-up films from the 2000s, starting with Steven Spielberg’s bold and deeply divisive “A.I. Artificial Intelligence.” TV critic and Vulture writer Roxana Hadadi joins Phil and Emily for a wide-ranging conversation that digs into the movie’s legacy, Kubrick’s influence, and how the film hit differently post-Oscars and post-9/11.They dive into the unique collaboration and friendship between Kubrick and Spielberg, how “A.I.” bridges fairy tale and sci-fi, and what it means for love, grief, and humanity to be filtered through the eyes of a robot boy. The group explores how the film’s themes of artificial intelligence, the uncanny valley, and the pursuit of parental love feel even more relevant today in a world grappling with AI and rapid technological change.Other topics include Haley Joel Osment’s incredible performance, Jude Law’s scene-stealing Gigolo Joe, the eerie brilliance of Teddy, and why this film has remained both underappreci

Emily and Phil close out their “Films of the Todds” mini series, spotlighting the distinct visions of Haynes, Phillips, Solondz, and Field, with a thoughtful conversation about Todd Solondz’s darkly comic Life During Wartime (2009). Joining them is film critic and podcaster Chris Feil, who brings sharp insight to this follow-up to Happiness and its meditation on forgiveness, trauma, and the ways the past lingers in the present.They explore Solondz’s unique approach to recasting characters, the film’s blend of biting humor and discomfort, and how Life During Wartime stands apart in the landscape of late-2000s indie cinema. The episode also reflects on what this film reveals about Solondz’s legacy, and why the “Todds” mini series is such a fascinating journey through some of the boldest voices in American film.Thank you for joining Emily and Phil on this mini series ride.#PodcastLikeIts2000s #LifeDuringWartime #ToddSolondz #ChrisFeil #FilmPodcast #IndieFilm #2000sMovies #FilmDiscussion Hosted on Acast. See acas

Emily and Phil continue their “Films of the Todds” mini series, exploring the work of Haynes, Phillips, Solondz, and Field. This week, they take a look at Todd Phillips’ culture-shifting comedy The Hangover. Joining them is writer and cultural critic Jude Ellison Doyle, who brings a sharp, thoughtful perspective to one of the 2000s most talked-about comedies.Together, they discuss how The Hangover redefined studio comedy, the film’s wild storytelling and breakout performances, and how its humor and reputation have aged in the years since its release. They dig into the movie’s massive box office impact, the rise of the “wolf pack,” and how Todd Phillips’ sensibilities changed the direction of mainstream comedy.Whether you love or cringe at its legacy, this conversation breaks down what made The Hangover such a phenomenon and what it tells us about the era it came from.#PodcastLikeIts2000s #TheHangover #ToddPhillips #JudeEllisonDoyle #ComedyMovies #FilmPodcast #2000sMovies #FilmDiscussion Hosted on Acast. See a

Emily and Phil continue their “Films of the Todds” mini series as they take on Todd Haynes’s ambitious and unconventional biopic I’m Not There. They are joined by film critic and podcaster Ryan Marker for a conversation about this multi-layered portrait of Bob Dylan, identity, and the myth of American celebrity.Together, they break down the film’s innovative structure, discuss Cate Blanchett’s acclaimed performance and the daring decision to cast six actors as different facets of Dylan, and examine how Haynes’s storytelling approach turns biography into a surreal and poetic experience. The episode also explores the film’s music, visual style, and its place in both Haynes’s career and the larger tradition of rock and roll cinema.#PodcastLikeIts2000s #ImNotThere #ToddHaynes #RyanMarker #BobDylan #CateBlanchett #FilmPodcast #2000sMovies #MusicFilms #MovieDiscussion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emily and Phil continue their “Films of the Todds” mini series, spotlighting the work of Haynes, Phillips, Solondz, and Field, with a deep dive into Todd Field’s haunting suburban drama Little Children (2006). Joining them is writer and producer Libby Hill, who brings sharp insight into the film’s complex characters, morally murky relationships, and the atmosphere of quiet desperation that runs through Field’s vision of American suburbia.Together, they explore the unforgettable performances by Kate Winslet, Patrick Wilson, and Jackie Earle Haley, the film’s commentary on judgment and repression, and how Little Children solidified Field’s reputation as one of the most nuanced directors of the 2000s. Whether you’re revisiting the film or watching for the first time, this conversation sheds light on why Little Children remains one of the decade’s most quietly powerful films.#PodcastLikeIts2000s #LittleChildren #ToddField #LibbyHill #2000sMovies #FilmPodcast #DramaMovies #MovieDiscussion Hosted on Acast. See acas

Emily and Phil continue their “Films of the Todds” mini series—highlighting the work of Haynes, Phillips, Solondz, and Field—by revisiting Todd Phillips’ under-the-radar 2006 comedy School for Scoundrels.They break down the film’s blend of mean-spirited humor and underdog charm, its place in the landscape of mid-2000s comedies, and how Billy Bob Thornton and Jon Heder play off each other as mismatched teacher and student. Phil and Emily also explore what this film says about the Todd Phillips formula and how it fits alongside the more famous hits of his career.Whether you’re a die-hard Phillips fan or discovering School for Scoundrels for the first time, this episode offers a fresh look at a forgotten entry in the 2000s comedy canon.#PodcastLikeIts2000s #SchoolForScoundrels #ToddPhillips #EmilyAndPhil #2000sMovies #ComedyFilms #FilmPodcast #MovieDiscussion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emily and Phil continue their mini series on the films of "The Todds" Haynes, Phillips, Solondz, and Field with a deep dive into Todd Solondz’s challenging and provocative Palindromes (2004). Joining them is filmmaker and returning guest Simon Ennis, who brings thoughtful insight into one of Solondz’s most controversial and layered films.They explore the film’s shifting lead actors, its exploration of identity, morality, and adolescence, and how Solondz pushes the boundaries of discomfort in his storytelling. They also discuss how Palindromes fits within Solondz’s larger body of work and the early 2000s indie film landscape.Available now wherever you get your podcasts.#PodcastLikeIts2000s #Palindromes #ToddSolondz #SimonEnnis #FilmPodcast #IndieFilm #2000sMovies #EmilyAndPhil #FilmDiscussion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Podcast Like It's the 2000s, Emily and Phil are joined by screenwriter and podcast host Clay Keller (@claykeller) to revisit Todd Phillips’ Starsky & Hutch (2004), the action comedy that helped cement early 2000s buddy cop nostalgia.As they continue their deep dive into the films of "The Todd’s" Haynes, Phillips, Solondz, and Field they examine how Starsky & Hutch fits into the era’s obsession with 70s throwbacks, the comedic chemistry of Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson, and whether Snoop Dogg’s Huggy Bear is the most chill informant in cinematic history.Is this just a goofy relic of its time or a lowkey blueprint for the modern comedy franchise? Let’s find out.

On this episode of Podcast Like It’s 2000s, Emily and Phil continue their “Films of the Todds” mini-series spotlighting Haynes, Phillips, Solondz, and Field with a look at Todd Phillips’ breakout hit, Old School (2003).Joining them is actor and podcaster Griffin Newman (@grifflightning), who helps examine how Old School shaped 2000s studio comedy, its impact on the careers of its leads, and where it fits in the larger story of the early 21st-century comedy boom. They also discuss how the film reflects a shift in Hollywood’s approach to masculinity, adulthood, and rebellion.#PodcastLikeIts2000s #OldSchool #GriffinNewman #ToddPhillips #2000sMovies #ComedyFilms #FilmPodcast #MovieDiscussion #WillFerrell #VinceVaughn #LukeWilson #FilmAnalysis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emily and Phil continue their deep dive into The Todds—Haynes, Phillips, Solondz, and Field—with Todd Haynes’ lush and heartbreaking 2002 masterpiece Far From Heaven. Joining them is writer and culture critic Marie Bardi-Salinas (@mariebardi), bringing her sharp insight and deep love for this era of filmmaking.Together, they explore how Haynes channels Douglas Sirk to tell a daring, subversive story about race, sexuality, and suburban repression in 1950s America. From Julianne Moore’s tour-de-force performance to the evocative Elmer Bernstein score and Edward Lachman’s exquisite cinematography, this conversation celebrates the film’s style and its urgent relevance.Don’t miss this conversation about one of the most visually rich and emotionally complex films of the decade.

Emily and Phil continue their exploration of The Todd’s—Haynes, Phillips, Solondz, and Field—with a deep, emotional dive into Todd Field’s devastating directorial debut, In The Bedroom (2001). Joining them is critic and editor Katey Rich, bringing insight into what made this restrained, quietly explosive drama a standout of early 2000s cinema.Together, they unpack Sissy Spacek and Tom Wilkinson’s powerhouse performances, the film’s chilling portrait of grief and middle-class rage, and how Field’s naturalistic style both subverts and elevates melodrama. They also reflect on the film's surprising Oscar run and how it signaled the arrival of a serious new voice in American filmmaking.

Phil & Emily kicks off our brand-new mini-series The Films of The Todds—a deep dive into the cinematic worlds of Todd Haynes, Todd Phillips, Todd Solondz, and Todd Field. First up? Todd Solondz’s provocatively layered and deeply uncomfortable 2001 film Storytelling.Joining Phil & Emily is writer and pop culture commentator Rich Monahan to unpack the film’s divisive two-part structure ("Fiction" and "Non-Fiction"), its dark satirical tone, and how Solondz pushes buttons in ways that still challenge audiences today. They explore how Storytelling deals with race, exploitation, authorship, and the blurred lines between truth and narrative, all with Solondz’s signature deadpan bite.It’s a bold and biting start to a series about four very different Todds—tune in for uncomfortable laughs, critical analysis, and one of the weirdest uses of a red box in movie history.

Phil and Emily are kicking off their new mini-series The Films of “The Todds”—a deep dive into the wildly different worlds of Todd Haynes, Todd Phillips, Todd Solondz, and Todd Field. And what better way to start than with one of the most chaotic, irreverent, and painfully 2000s comedies: Road Trip (2000).Joining them for this raunchy, college-era nostalgia fest is film critic David Ehrlich (IndieWire), who helps break down the film’s R-rated antics, surprisingly tight script, and why Tom Green is the ultimate agent of chaos. Plus, they’re joined by special guest Amy Smart for a bonus interview, where she reflects on her experience making the movie and the 2000s comedy boom.Get ready for gross-out gags, dorm room disasters, and a trip down memory lane with the ultimate party movie that defined a generation.BONUS: Phil sits down with actress Amy Smart to reflect on her early career, from the chaos of Road Trip to the over-the-top antics of Starsky & Hutch. They dive into the wild world of 2000s comedy, the

Phil and Emily are wrapping up their dive into Beyoncé’s films of the 2000s mini series with the wild, over-the-top thriller Obsessed (2009). Joining them for this high-stakes finale are Sidney Butler and Austin Harris, ready to break down the campy chaos of this Beyoncé vs. Ali Larter showdown.From glass-shattering catfights to wildly intense stares, they unpack why Obsessed became a cult classic for messy movie lovers and why it holds a special place in Beyoncé’s filmography. They also explore the film’s place in the Fatal Attraction–inspired thriller boom, Idris Elba’s “perfect husband” energy, and the pure, unhinged joy of watching Queen Bey throw someone down a flight of stairs.Is it a misunderstood thriller or a perfectly executed piece of camp? Tune in for this hilarious and fiery discussion to find out!

Phil and Emily continue their Beyoncé in the Movies Mini-Series with a deep dive into the 2008 musical biopic Cadillac Records, and they’re joined by writer and film critic Mike Natale to help unpack this rich (and underrated) chapter in Queen Bey’s acting career.Beyoncé stars as the legendary Etta James in this chronicle of Chess Records and the rise of American blues and rock ’n’ roll. The trio explores her powerful performance, the film’s incredible music, and its blend of historical drama and star-studded musical storytelling.They also discuss the film’s place in the biopic boom of the 2000s, Beyoncé’s evolution as both a dramatic actress and executive producer, and why Cadillac Records deserves more attention as a key turning point in her screen career.

Phil and Emily continue their Beyoncé in the Movies Mini-Series with the crown jewel of her early film career: Dreamgirls (2006). Joining them is the immensely talented actress and singer Barrett Doss (Station 19, Iron Fist), bringing her Broadway perspective to a dazzling conversation about one of the most ambitious movie musicals of the 2000s.They dive into Beyoncé’s transformation into Deena Jones, Jennifer Hudson’s powerhouse performance, and how the film navigates fame, friendship, and the cost of ambition. From Bill Condon’s glossy direction to the unforgettable music, this episode unpacks the legacy of Dreamgirls and what it meant for Beyoncé’s evolution as both a performer and a movie star.Get ready for high notes, behind-the-scenes tea, and a deep appreciation of the film that brought “And I Am Telling You” back into cultural consciousness.Follow Barrett Doss:Instagram: @dontgo_jasonwaterfalls#Dreamgirls #Beyonce #JenniferHudson #PodcastLikeIts2000s #BarrettDoss #MovieMusicals #2000sCinema #BeyonceIn

Phil and Emily continue their Beyoncé in the Movies Mini-Series with a dive into 2006’s slapstick reboot The Pink Panther! Joining them are returning guests Brooke Solomon and Jordan Gustafson from Queer Quadrant, ready to unpack the chaotic energy of Steve Martin’s Inspector Clouseau—and Beyoncé’s role as the glamorous pop star turned murder suspect, Xania.They discuss the film’s cartoonish tone, Martin’s commitment to physical comedy, and how Beyoncé brings surprising poise and presence to a film that’s very much doing the most. Is this the moment her movie-star persona fully crystallized? Or just a glittery detour on the way to Dreamgirls?From cringe-y accents to unforgettable pink gowns, this episode is a fun, fast-paced look at a film that’s as messy as it is memorable.

Phil and Emily continue their Beyoncé in the Movies Mini-Series with 2003’s The Fighting Temptations! Joining them is pop culture writer and critic Louis Peitzman, who helps break down this feel-good gospel comedy starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Beyoncé in one of her first major film roles.They dive into the movie’s blend of music, faith, and small-town charm, Beyoncé’s effortless charisma on screen, and how The Fighting Temptations fits into her early career as she transitioned from Destiny’s Child superstar to a full-fledged cultural icon. Plus, they unpack the film’s stacked supporting cast (Faith Evans! Angie Stone! The O'Jays!) and ask the important question: is this secretly one of Beyoncé’s most underrated movies?Join us for a joyful, music-filled conversation about choir competitions, early-2000s fashion, and the making of a legend.