Filmspotting
Film, TV & Pop Culture
About
Adam Kempenaar and Josh Larsen review new and classic movies, offering "affable, insightful film analysis since 2005" (NY Times).
Episodes
- Top 5 Meryl Streep Scenes | #1063
Filmspotting’s #1063 episode features a Top 5 Meryl Streep Scenes discussion. Adam and Josh highlight her work in various films to narrow down essential scenes from her career.
- The Devil Wears Prada 2: With a Defanged Miranda, What's Left?
Adam and Josh discuss The Devil Wears Prada 2, focusing on the portrayal of Miranda Priestly and the film's appeal as comfort viewing. They also highlight Meryl Streep's performance in the movie.
- Top 5 Overlooked Movies of the 2000s | Archive
Adam and Josh from Filmspotting discuss their top 5 overlooked movies from the 2000s. They highlight films that didn't make the 64-film bracket, including works from Jack Black, Seann William Scott, Guy Maddin, Ridley Scott, and Robert Zem…
- People We Meet on Vacation: Rom-Coms Have a New Star | SVU
Matt and Jordan review Netflix's 'People We Meet On Vacation,' discussing its plot and comparing it to 'When Harry Met Sally.' They also recommend a 2023 indie mafia drama and a 1963 French New Wave short film.
- The Great Dictator: Chaplin’s Act of Artistic Nobility
Adam and Josh review Charlie Chaplin's 1940 film, The Great Dictator. They discuss its use of comedy against fascism, its prescience, and Chaplin's risks in calling out authoritarian power.
- Summer Movie Preview 2026 and ’40s Madness Champion | #1062
Adam and Josh preview the 2026 summer movie slate, including upcoming films like The Odyssey and Disclosure Day. They also announce the Filmspotting '40s Madness champion and discuss future Madness plans.
- Mother Mary: More Than Religio-Goth Gestures?
Adam and Josh discuss the new film Mother Mary by David Lowery. They analyze the film's unique filmmaking and its exploration of the creative and emotional bond between a pop star and her collaborator.
- Top 5 Movie Summers | Archive
Adam and Josh revisit previous movie summers, ranking them based on their film slates, cultural impact, and the overall experience of summer movie-going. They discuss these significant periods in cinematic history.
- Apex and The Netflix House Style | SVU
This episode of Filmspotting discusses the film Apex, starring Charlize Theron and Taryn Egerton, and the concept of Netflix's "house style" for its content. The hosts also provide personalized recommendations for deep-cut film noir.
- Steven Soderbergh's The Christophers
Filmspotting features a discussion on Steven Soderbergh's film, The Christophers. The episode delves into the performances of Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel, as well as the film's thematic elements.
- Citizen Kane vs. Casablanca and '40s Madness Final | #1061
Adam and Josh discuss Citizen Kane and Casablanca, comparing the two films in a head-to-head showdown. They analyze themes of America, power, and individualism, and recount how the films reached the final of the '40s Madness bracket.
- A24 Draft | Archive
This Filmspotting episode looks back at A24's first decade, with Adam and Josh drafting their top ten A24 titles. It covers the company's impact on American cinema through films such as "Spring Breakers," "Moonlight," and "Lady Bird."
- Balls Up: The High Stakes of Low-Brow Comedy | SVU
Filmspotting SVU reviews "Balls Up," debating the effectiveness of its comedic style and if a movie with cocaine-addicted crocodiles can be recommended. The episode also includes discussions on "Empire Records" and "The 39 Steps," along wi…
- Top 5 Robert Duvall Scenes and '40s Madness Final 4 | #1060
This Filmspotting episode features a discussion honoring Robert Duvall with a Top 5 list of his scenes, focusing on his range and authority. Additionally, the '40s Madness bracket narrows down to its Final 4 contenders.
- The Godfather Part II Review | Archive
Adam and Josh review The Godfather Part II, a sequel to The Godfather. This episode was previously a bonus show and is now available on the main Filmspotting feed.
- Apple TV’s Outcome: Testing the Limits of Keanu’s Likability | SVU
Filmspotting returns with new co-host Jordan Hoffman to review Apple TV's 'Outcome,' starring Keanu Reeves. They also discuss streaming honesty and play a game called Letterboxding.
- Coppola, Lucas, and Spielberg: How Success Changed the System — and Them
This Filmspotting episode features author Paul Fischer discussing his book "The Last Kings of Hollywood," focusing on Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas, and Steven Spielberg. The discussion examines their early collaborations, the impact…
- The Black Guy Who Tips Podcast | SMR 581: Hoppers
Rod and Karen review the newest Disney Pixar animated film, "Hoppers." They also discuss movie trailers and listener feedback on this episode of The Black Guy Who Tips Podcast.
- The Drama: A Split Decision and '40s Madness Elite 8 | #1059
Adam and Josh review the film "The Drama" and discuss the Elite 8 of their '40s Madness bracket. The episode is presented by Regal Unlimited.
- Pantheon Inductions and Dissident Cinema Marathon Announcement
Filmspotting inducts two foreign-language classics into its Pantheon. The hosts also announce the lineup for the upcoming Dissident Cinema Marathon, a series focusing on films that confront political power.
- Top 5 Horror Movies of the 21st Century | Archive
Filmspotting hosts Adam and Michael Phillips discuss their top 5 horror movies released in the 21st century. The conversation includes David Robert Mitchell’s It Follows.
- '40s Madness Sweet 16: An Upset Brewing?
Adam and Josh analyze the Sweet 16 round of their '40s Madness bracket. They discuss potential upsets with matchups like Bicycle Thieves against Brief Encounter and The Best Years of Our Lives versus It's a Wonderful Life.
- Top 5 Movies About Marriage | Archive
Filmspotting revisits its 2019 discussion titled "Top 5 Movies About Marriage." The episode explores the complexities of on-screen marital commitments.
- Project Hail Mary: Sensitivity in Space and '40s Madness Round 2 | #1058
Adam and Josh review the film Project Hail Mary, discussing Ryan Gosling's performance and the movie's practical effects. They also participate in Round 2 of '40s Madness.
- Meek’s Cutoff: Why It Belongs in the Pantheon
Adam and Josh analyze Kelly Reichardt's film Meek's Cutoff, discussing its frontier setting, themes of free will, and its significance within the director's body of work.
- Top 5 Things From Space (That Came To Destroy Us) | Archive
In this archived episode of Filmspotting, the hosts revisit their 2014 list of the top five things from space meant to destroy humanity. The discussion covers classic science fiction, B-movies, and films featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
- Stand by Me at 40: Why It Still Hits Hard and '40s Madness Round 1 | #1057
Adam and Josh revisit Rob Reiner’s film Stand by Me on its 40th anniversary. This episode also includes a review of Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Bride and the first round of the Filmspotting '40s Madness tournament.
- The Martian Review | Archive
Adam and Josh revisit their 2015 review of Ridley Scott's sci-fi film The Martian, starring Matt Damon, in anticipation of the upcoming Project Hail Mary.
- Oscars Predictions and Filmspotting Madness: 1940s Play‑Ins | #1056
Adam, Josh, and guest Michael Phillips discuss their Oscar predictions by analyzing the categories for acting, directing, and Best Picture. The episode also features the Filmspotting Madness play-ins focusing on the best films of the 1940s.
- The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Review | Archive
In this archive episode from May 2018, Adam and Josh revisit the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The episode features a discussion on the films and a countdown of their top five scenes from the series.
- Top 5 Unreliable Narrators and Kurosawa’s Rashomon | #1055
Adam and Josh discuss unreliable narrators in cinema and revisit Akira Kurosawa’s film Rashomon, which is being considered for the Pantheon project.
- Moonlight Review + Barry Jenkins & Naomie Harris Interview | Archive
This archival episode of Filmspotting from October 2016 features a conversation with Moonlight director Barry Jenkins and star Naomie Harris, followed by the show's original review of the film.
- Catherine O'Hara: Our Top 5 Characters | #1054
Hosts Adam and Josh discuss their top five performances by Catherine O'Hara, highlighting the range and humor in her various television and film roles. The episode also features segments on Massacre Theatre, the Filmspotting Family, and up…
- Morgan Neville on Paul McCartney: Man on the Run
Filmmaker Morgan Neville discusses his documentary Paul McCartney: Man on the Run with host Adam. They explore the creation of the film, focusing on McCartney's 1970s career and the use of audio archives.
- Network Review | Archive
In this archived episode of Filmspotting, hosts Adam and Josh review Sidney Lumet's film Network as part of their 7 From '76 series. The episode is presented in honor of Robert Duvall.
- Wuthering Heights Review, How Green Was My Valley | #1053
Adam and Josh are joined by Marya E. Gates to review Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights. The hosts also present a Pantheon Project review of John Ford's How Green Was My Valley and discuss listener picks for the best movie soundtrack of t…
- The Silence of the Lambs Review | Archive
In this archival episode, Adam and Josh revisit The Silence of the Lambs to mark the film's 30th anniversary. They discuss the movie's legacy and its historic performance at the Academy Awards.
- Trainspotting Review (30th Anniv.) and Pantheon Nominations | #1052
Adam and Josh revisit the film Trainspotting for its 30th anniversary. Additionally, producer Sam joins the hosts to discuss the 2026 Filmspotting Pantheon nominees.
- Casablanca Review | Archive
In this archived episode of Filmspotting, Adam is joined by critics Michael Phillips and Katherine Fusco to discuss the film Casablanca. This review serves as the start of a four-week series focusing on romantic Best Picture winners.
- Top 5 Diane Keaton Scenes | #1051
Adam and Josh pay tribute to Diane Keaton by counting down their Top 5 Diane Keaton scenes. The episode also includes a discussion on the loss of Catherine O'Hara and a listener poll about 90s movie soundtracks.
- Whiplash Review | Archive
This archive episode of Filmspotting features Adam and Josh's October 2014 review of Whiplash, the film directed by Damien Chazelle.
- One Battle After Another Review and Oscar Nominations Reaction | #1050
In this episode, Adam and Josh provide a review of the film One Battle After Another and discuss the recent Oscar nominations. They also include a segment featuring a challenging game of Massacre Theatre.
- Taxi Driver Review | Archive
This episode features two archival reviews of Martin Scorsese's 1976 film, Taxi Driver. The segments include a 2021 review from Adam and Josh's '7 From '76' series and a 2011 discussion between Adam and critic Dana Stevens.
- 2026 Movie Preview and 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Review | #1049
In this episode of Filmspotting, hosts Adam and Josh hold a draft previewing anticipated films scheduled for 2026. Additionally, Vulture critic Roxana Hadadi joins Adam to review the movie 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.
- Memento Review (Archive)
Adam and Josh present an archival review of Christopher Nolan's 2000 film Memento. This episode revisits the movie to mark the 25th anniversary of its Sundance Film Festival screening as the hosts prepare for a 2026 film preview draft.
- Best Movie Scenes of 2025, Golden Brick Winner
Adam and Josh discuss the best movie scenes of 2025 across several categories, including funniest, most moving, and best music. They also award the 17th annual Golden Brick Award and share their personal picks for Scene of the Year.
- Aftersun Review (Archive)
In this archive episode, Adam and Josh review the 2022 film Aftersun, which was selected as their shared favorite movie of that year. The episode also notes upcoming segments on the hosts' favorite scenes of 2025 and the Golden Brick Award…
- Marty Supreme Review, Avatar: Fire & Ash, Dead Man’s Wire, Voice of Hind Rajab (#1047)
Adam and Josh discuss Josh Safdie’s film Marty Supreme, the new Avatar: Fire & Ash, and provide recommendations for Dead Man’s Wire and The Voice of Hind Rajab. Additionally, they discuss their most anticipated films of 2026.
- Interview: Josh & Benny Safdie (Archive)
This archive episode from December 2019 features an interview with directors Josh and Benny Safdie about their film Uncut Gems. The segment is shared ahead of Adam and Josh's upcoming review of Marty Supreme.
- Take Shelter with Matt Singer, Lone Star with Michael Phillips
This episode of Filmspotting features two previously unaired live discussions: Matt Singer joins the show to discuss Jeff Nichols’ Take Shelter, and Michael Phillips joins to discuss John Sayles’ 1996 film Lone Star.