Filmspotting

July 25: Prepare to be spoiled. In an unprecedented venture, the esteemed Michael Phillips of the World's Greatest Newspaper joins the boys for a spoiler edition review of "The Dark Knight." Yes, if you are one of the six people who have not seen Christopher Nolan's film and do not wish to have any of its surprises revealed... DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS REVIEW. We're serious. Everything in the film is fair game for discussion. Just forward to roughly the 23 minute mark to continue with the rest of the spoiler free show that includes Massacre theater, music by Spoon, and Listener Feedback. Plus, Filmspotting welcomes back male model, media mogul, new dad and A.V. Club critic Scott Tobias to help us sort out our Top 5 Movies of the Year So Far. Along with the best, we also find time to list a few of the year's worst. Spoiler alert! Uwe Boll makes his way onto one of them. Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, music by Spoon and Matty's Movie Minute returns for a review of "Step Brothers." ** Filmspotting is presented by SpoutBlog and the FilmCouch podcast. Find out why The New York Times says, "SpoutBlog's got it all," at blog.spout.com. ** CONTEST Re-cast "Reservoir Dogs" now for a shot at great prizes! Filmspotting #220 :24-23:39 - Spoiler Review: "The Dark Knight" Music: Spoon, "Don't Let It Get You Down" 23:24-27:01 - Voicemail, Polls 27:02-28:35 - Matty's Movie Minute: "Step Brothers" 28:36-35:39 - Feedback (Performances So Far, Creatures) Music: Spoon, "Back to the Life" 36:20-40:06 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Steven Aparicio) 40:07-47:36 - Top 5 Movies So Far (#5-#4) 47:37-53:33 - Top 3 Worst Movies So Far Music: Spoon, "Jonathon Fisk" 53:57-56:56 - New DVDs, Donations, Contest 56:57-1:10:59 - Top 5 Movies So Far (#3-#1) 1:11:00-1:13:26 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes NOTES/CORRECTIONS - Michael Phillips' "Dark Knight" review - Moviebuff28 is right, of course... Jason Segel wrote "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." But hey, Apatow produced it and it has his fingerprints all over it.

July 18: Biff! Bam! Pow! It's here. It's finally here. The podcast you've been waiting months to hear has arrived... Adam and Matty, wait for it, count down their Top 5 Performances of the Year (So Far) with some help from Steve Prokopy (aka Capone) of Ain't It Cool News. Oh, and the boys squeeze in a couple minutes discussing director Christopher Nolan's latest epic Batman saga, "The Dark Knight," starring Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart, and the late Heath Ledger. Will a movie that couldn't possibly live up to its advanced billing do just that? Or will it leave Filmspotting's own Dynamic Duo asking, "Why so serious?" Tune in next week for a special Spoiler Edition review of "The Dark Knight" with special guest Michael Phillips from the Chicago Tribune. Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and music by Utah Carol. ** Filmspotting is presented by SpoutBlog and the FilmCouch podcast. Find out why The New York Times says, "SpoutBlog's got it all," at blog.spout.com. ** CONTEST Congratulations to Re-cast "The Matrix" grand prize winner jdamer83 and runner-up wadetown! Re-cast "Reservoir Dogs" now for a shot at great prizes! Filmspotting #219 :24-13:57 - Review: "The Dark Knight" Music: Utah Carol, "Kimberly Smiles" 14:52-18:48 - Voicemails, Polls 18:49-26:51 - Feedback (Hellboy, Teach An Alien, Creatures) Music: Utah Carol, "Sam's Ranch" 27:20-31:46 - New DVDs, Donations 31:47-35:26 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Dan Krahn) 35:27-53:41 - Top 5 Female Performances Music: Utah Carol, "The Northern Skies" 54:01-1:01:23 - Contests 1:01:24-1:14:45 - Top 5 Male Performances 1:14:45-1:17:22 - Close/Next Show/Outtake NOTES/CORRECTIONS - Check out Steve's interview with "The Fall" director Tarsem here. - "Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day" is actually out on DVD 8/19. - Saleh Bakri is the actor who is so good in "The Band's Visit" (one of many).

July 12: Time to take a Magical Journey of Mystical Wonder as we review one of Matty's most anticipated movies of the year, "Hellboy II: The Golden Army," directed by Guillermo ("Pan's Labyrinth") Del Toro. Will Del Toro's Mos Eisley-esque menagerie warm Filmspotting's hearts, or leave them as cold and black as a re-imagined Jabba the Hutt circa "The Phantom Menace"? Plus, in honor of "Hellboy," the boys list their Top 5 Movie Creatures. All the while, back at the lair, Jules Dassin and company have been busy planning the caper of the century, or at least busy creating the template for every heist film ever made, with "Rififi," the third entry in Filmspotting's Classic Heist Marathon. Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and music by The Clientele. ** Filmspotting is presented by SpoutBlog and the FilmCouch podcast. Find out why The New York Times says, "SpoutBlog's got it all," at blog.spout.com. ** Filmspotting #218 :24-14:10 - Review: "Hellboy II" Music: The Clientele, "" 15:19-20:10 - Voicemail, Polls, Notes 20:11-32:44 - Listener Feedback (WALL-E, Loneliness Movies) Music: The Clientele, "" 33:36-36:54 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Ann Enders) 36:55-48:14 - Classic Heist #3: "Rififi" Music: The Clientele, "" 48:45-55:32 - New DVDs, Donations, Contests 55:33-1:09:05 - Top 5: Creatures 1:09:06-1:10:56 - Close/Next Show/Outtake NOTES/CORRECTIONS - Coming soon...

July 5: This week, in honor of America's celebration of its independence, Filmspotting's resident Yankee Doodles mark the Fourth of July by feting two larger-than-life paragons of the American Way. First up, the lads review Peter Berg's action comedy "Hancock," starring Will Smith as the titular anti-superhero. Then the boys get "Gonzo" with a review of director Alex Gibney's latest documentary chronicling the life and work of America's foremost psychedelic journalist rebel, Hunter S. Thompson. In recognition of Will Smith's storied service as Earth's ambassador to the alien set, Adam and Matty roll out their Top 5 Movies To Teach an Alien About Earth. Plus, what's more American than getting rich quick? The Classic Heist Marathon heads to the races for a discussion of Stanley Kubrick's classic "The Killing," featuring Sterling Hayden as a small-time hoodlum attempting a daring racetrack heist. Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and music by Dan Bern. ** Filmspotting is presented by SpoutBlog and the FilmCouch podcast. Find out why The New York Times says, "SpoutBlog's got it all," at blog.spout.com. ** Filmspotting #216 :24-8:59 - Review: "Hancock" 9:00-17:25 - Review: "Gonzo" Music: Dan Bern, "New American Language" 18:53-23:28 - Voicemail, Polls, Notes 23:29-32:40 - Listener Feedback (Actor-Director Duos, Loneliness Movies) Music: Dan Bern, "Albuquerque Lullaby" 33:28-37:20 - New DVDs, Donations 37:21-40:54 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Andy Scheper) 40:55-52:33 - Classic Heist #2: "The Killing" Music: Dan Bern, "Turning Over" 53:17-57:17 - Filmgaming Contests 57:18-1:08:02 - Top 5: Movies To Teach an Alien... 1:08:03-1:11:39 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes NOTES/CORRECTIONS - Dan Bern performance information in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids can be found here.

June 27: Alright campers, grab your suitcases, strap grandma to the roof, and hop into the old Griswald family station wagon... we're off to "WALL•E" world. This week Adam and Matty review the latest animated feature from director Andrew Stanton and the creative geniuses at Pixar. Will Disney's little-robot-that-could warm your hosts' cynical hearts, or leave our intrepid duo wishing they had left robots where they belong... in the 1980s, on the scrap heap of history with Johnny #5 and that annoying butler robot from "Rocky IV"? Plus, Filmspotting goes bully for bullion as our Classic Heist marathon roars to life with the gang from the "The Lavender Hill Mob," an Ealing Studios caper-comedy from 1951 featuring the legendary Alec Guinness. Also on the show: Matty's Movie Minute takes on Gengis Khan and "Mongol," Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, music by The Nadas and -- inspired by "WALL•E's" solitary protagonist -- our Top 5 Movies About Loneliness. ** Filmspotting is presented by SpoutBlog and the FilmCouch podcast. Find out why The New York Times says, "SpoutBlog's got it all," at blog.spout.com. Share the Top 5 Movies To Teach An Alien About Earth at filmgaming.spout.com and get a shot at some swanky American Apparel/Spout swag! ** "Matty's Movie Minute" intro written and performed by Joren Cain and Jessica Israels from Valdosta, GA / Outro written and performed by Tom Knight from Ithaca, NY. Filmspotting #216 :24-13:40 - Review: "WALL•E" 13:41-15:30 - Matty's Movie Minute: "Mongol" Music: The Nadas, "Pieces on the Ground" 16:25-19:47 - Voicemails, Polls 19:48-31:28 - Listener Feedback (Incredible Hulk, Actor-Director Duos) Music: The Nadas, "Loser" 32:36-36:00 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Jim Owen) 36:01-43:43 - Classic Heist #1: "The Lavender Hill Mob" Music: The Nadas, "No Thank You" 44:14-51:26 - New DVDs, Contest, Donations 51:27-53:44 - Carlin/Winston Tributes 53:45-1:05:09 - Top 5: Movies About Loneliness 1:05:10-1:08:36 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes NOTES/CORRECTIONS - I really hope people don't write in telling us to say it "WALL-e" and not "wall-E". - "Rififi" should be up next in our Classic Heist Marathon, but we said "The Killing" and that's what we'll go with. - Learn more about Stan Winston here.

June 20: Eschewing the trend adopted by seemingly every other media outlet this week, Filmspotting steadfastly refuses to incorporate the phrase "Missed It By That Much" during its brief review of "Get Smart," the action-comedy starring Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, Terrence Stamp and Alan Arkin. In fact, the boys practically refuse to discuss "Get Smart" at all, opting instead to bring you some Overlooked DVD Picks. It seems like only yesterday Adam and Matty were first treated to the post-apocalyptic beads of He-man sweat dangling from the bronzed barreled chest of Chuck Heston in "The Omega Man." Time really flies when you're living in zombie/drone/space-ebola/Bruce Dern-filled dystopias. The lads honor the best of their recently wrapped '70s Sci-Fi Marathon by meting out the coveted Damn Dirty Ape Awards. And ... apropos of absolutely nothing ... Filmspotting rolls out its Top 5 Actor/Director Duos. That's just the way we roll. Also on the show: Matty's Movie Minute, Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and music by Biirdie. ** Filmspotting is presented by SpoutBlog and the FilmCouch podcast. Find out why The New York Times says, "SpoutBlog's got it all," at blog.spout.com. Share the Top 5 Movies You'd Show To An Alien To Learn About Earth filmgaming.spout.com and get a shot at some swanky American Apparel/Spout swag! ...And by Audible.com. Download a free audiobook of your choice today at audiblepodcast.com/filmspotting. ** Filmspotting #215 :36-6:32 - Review: "Get Smart" 6:33-8:06 - Review: Matty's Movie Minute 8:07-15:52 - Overlooked DVD Picks Music: Biirdie, "Catherine Avenue" 17:17-33:52 - Listener Feedback (Panda, Happening, TV Adaptations) Music: Biirdie, "Petals" 34:31-37:48 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Kim Gonsalves) 37:49-47:16 - '70s Sci-Fi Marathon Awards Music: Biirdie, "I Wish I Could've Been There" 47:54-54:26 - New DVDs, Contest, Donations 54:27-1:05:09 - Top 5: Actor-Director Duos 1:05:10-1:06:41 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes NOTES/CORRECTIONS -

June 18: It was an evil podcast from the beginning -- a podcast that was born bad... Adam and Matty huddle together in the dark for another bonus show featuring a Listener's Choice review of Robert Wise's 1963 horror classic "The Haunting" and more great Listener Feedback. NOTES - The next Listener's Choice winner was actually chosen from donors who were thanked between episodes #209 and #213.

June 13: Filmspotting SMASH! It's a summer blockbuster Lollapalooza this week as Adam and Matty tackle two new releases. First up on the main stage, the boys do battle with "The Incredible Hulk," Marvel Productions' latest adaptation of their own legendary comic book series with Edward Norton in the titular role and Louis Leterrier ("The Transporter") behind the camera. Will they embrace a big green Ed Norton, or pine for the days of big green Lou Ferrigno... or even Eric Bana? Next up, M. Night Shyamalan infects moviegoers with "The Happening," starring Mark Wahlberg and Zooey Deschanel. After misfiring with the likes of "The Village" and "Lady in the Water," will Mr. Shyamalan return to Filmspotting's good graces, or will your hosts find reason to release some of their pent-up Hulk aggression? We warned you Mr. Shyamalan, don't make Filmspotting angry. Plus, in response to a summer filled with material based on popular TV shows, (we’re looking at you Miss Bradshaw, and you too Agent 99), Adam and Matty weigh in with their Top 5 TV Show Adaptations. Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and music by Shame Train. ** Filmspotting is presented by SpoutBlog and the FilmCouch podcast. Find out why The New York Times says, "SpoutBlog's got it all," at blog.spout.com. Share your most traumatic movie experience at filmgaming.spout.com and get a shot at some swanky American Apparel/Spout swag! ** Filmspotting #214 :24-14:11 - Review: "The Incredible Hulk" Music: Shame Train, "A Broken Hearted Girl..." 15:37-27:30 - Review: "The Happening" Music: Shame Train, "Wax Lips Wax Wings" 28:35-32:17 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Khris Vickroy) 32:18-45:02 - Listener Feedback (SATC, Best Dressed Characters) Music: Shame Train, "1/2 Right" 44:43-49:28 - New DVDs, Contest, Donations 49:29-1:03:19 - Top 5: TV Show Adaptations 1:03:20-1:06:25 - Close/Next Show/Outtake + Extra Vulgarities NOTES/CORRECTIONS -

June 6: From whirling dervishes to whirling red pandas (who sound an awful lot like Dustin Hoffman), this week Matty and Adam ogle a scrumptious smorgasbord of visual feasts with reviews of Tarsem Singh's "The Fall" and the latest offering from Dreamworks Animation, "Kung Fu Panda." Not to be out done, Nicholas Roeg offers up his own complex cinematic intarsia featuring David Bowie as an alien hanging with Rip Torn, Candy Clark, and Buck Henry in 1976's "The Man Who Fell To Earth," the final movie in Filmspotting's '70s Sci-Fi Marathon. Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, our Top 5 Sydney Pollack Movies -- a tribute to the late, great director -- and music by Austin Donohue. ** Filmspotting is presented by SpoutBlog and the FilmCouch podcast. Find out why The New York Times says, "SpoutBlog's got it all," at blog.spout.com. Share your most traumatic movie experience at filmgaming.spout.com and get a shot at some swanky American Apparel/Spout swag! ...And by Audible.com. Download a free audiobook of your choice today at audiblepodcast.com/filmspotting. ... And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store! ** Filmspotting #213 :35-10:36 - Review: "The Fall" 10:37-17:32 - Review: "Kung Fu Panda" Music: Austin Donohue, "Slow Vibration" 18:56-22:30 - "SATC" Voicemails, Poll Results 22:31-23:52 - "Indy 4" Voicemails 23:53-33:59 - Listener Feedback ("Indy 4") Music: Austin Donohue, "Forgetting Your Name" 34:39-38:32 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Trung Mai) 38:33-47:40 - '70s Sci-Fi #6: "The Man Who Fell to Earth" Music: Austin Donohue, "Listing" 48:25-52:50 - New DVDs, Contest, Donations 52:51-1:04:20 - Top 5: Sydney Pollack Movies 1:04:21-1:06:49 - Close/Next Show/Outtake NOTES/CORRECTIONS - We recognize that Sydney Pollack's agent character in "Tootsie" isn't, as far as we can recall, necessarily ethically-challenged. Just play along... However, Tom Cruise is the doctor, of course, in "Eyes Wide Shut." Pollack is just some sort of power broker. The poll has been corrected.

May 30: Slip on your Manolo Blahniks, lounge about in your best Dior, and hold onto your Louis Vutton Beverly Clutch as Filmspotting boldly goes where it's never gone before... the Chicago Tribune's Jessica Reaves helps Adam and Matty find their inner-Mirandas and inner-Carries with a review of "Sex and the City." In honor of the fierce ensembles worn by the SATC gals, your hosts roll out their Top 5 Best Dressed Movie Characters. Not to be out done, Michael York drops by in his futuristic Sandman outfit as Matty and Adam dissect his effort to escape from a fractured utopia in 1976's Logan's Run, the fifth movie in Filmspotting '70s Sci-Fi Marathon. Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and music by Anne McCue. ** Filmspotting is brought to you by spout.com/contests. Test your movie knowledge and win a Nintendo Wii when you join the scavenger hunt at spout.com/contests, going on right now. ... And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store! ** Congratulations to the winners of Spout.com's recast "Raiders of the Lost Ark" contest -- PlantPage55 (1st prize) and dansinch (2nd prize). Another great recast contest is coming soon! Filmspotting #212 :24-19:20 - Review: "Sex and the City" Music: Anne McCue, "Bright Light of Day" 20:10-25:18 - Indy 4 Voicemails, Polls, Corrections 25:19-35:45 - Listener Feedback (Top 5 Dialogue Scenes) Music: Anne McCue, "Tiny Little Song" 36:33-40:53 - Contest Winners 40:54-44:08 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Jeanne Kautzman) 44:09-55:50 - '70s Sci-Fi #5: "Logan's Run" Music: Anne McCue, "Coming To You" 56:41-1:00:33 - New DVDs, Donations 1:00:34-1:08:25 - Top 5: Best Dressed Characters 1:08:26-1:11:04 - Close/Next Show/Outtake NOTES/CORRECTIONS - Just in case I don't get a chance to bring this up on a future show... Matty and Jessica both thought my criticism of "Sex and the City's" opening montage was unfair, or at least nitpicky. That's fine, but my point wasn't so much that the montage was offensive (it's not). I just thought it was indicative of my larger problem with the film, which is that Michael Patrick King couldn't find a satisfactory way to really translate the show to the big screen. - I think I may have referred to Michael York's character in "Logan's Run" as Logan 6. He's actually Logan 5.

May 22: Dun-da-dun-daa, dun-da-daaa ... That's the sound of George Lucas, Harrison Ford and Steven Spielberg teaming up to trade-in on Matty and Adam's childhood memories with the latest installment of the Indiana Jones saga, "The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." Will Indy battling Cate Blanchett and her cold war Russians elicit the same whimsy and excitement that "Raiders of the Lost Ark" stirred in the souls of a young Adam and Matty? Or will the film's nostalgic pandering leave your intrepid hosts muttering, "Sequels, why did it have to be sequels?" Plus, in recognition of Indy’s much-anticipated return to the screen, Adam and Matty lay out the Top 5 Characters Who Need a Comeback. Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, music by David Ford and Matty gets a chance to try out his best Barbra Streisand karaoke impression ("People, people who eat people...") as the lads join Chuck Heston and Eddie G. Robinson on a mission to save humanity from itself with a review of the classic "Soylent Green," the fourth entry in the glorious Filmspotting '70s Sci-Fi Marathon. ** Filmspotting is brought to you by spout.com/contests. Test your movie knowledge and win a Nintendo Wii when you join the scavenger hunt at spout.com/contests, going on right now. ... And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store! ** CONTEST Filmspotting and Spout.com invite you to recast "Raiders of the Lost Ark" for a chance to win some great American Apparel swag. A 2nd place winner will get "Speed Racer the Next Generation: The Beginning" on DVD. Filmspotting #211 :24-13:06 - Review: "Indiana Jones 4" Music: David Ford, "Decimate" 14:17-17:38 - Poll Questions 17:39-26:12 - Listener Feedback (Speed Racer, Photog Movies) Music: David Ford, "Go To Hell" 27:07-30:29 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Steve Vesolich) 30:30-38:16 - '70s Sci-Fi #4: "Soylent Green" Music: David Ford, "Song for the Road" 38:43-42:48 - New DVDs, Contest, Donations 42:29-55:49 - Top 5: Characters Who Need a Comeback 55:50-59:28 - Close/Next Show/Outtake NOTES/CORRECTIONS - Worth noting that "LOTR" was edging "Star Wars" in the best franchise poll question at the time we recorded the show. The final tally was 30% for each with 1 vote separating the two. - "The Motorcycle Diaries" isn't really a 'heavy' or 'depressing' movie... but it popped into my head because a long, long time ago on the show there was some discussion about how my Netflix disc sat at my house for like 4 months before I finally got in the right mood to watch it. - Matty mentioned an 'Ellen' Chenoweth during the Top 5. He meant Kristin. - I mentioned "Men in Black" and "Independence Day" when talking about Will Smith in relation to my #1 pick. I was really thinking of "Bad Boys," which is definitely more of a comedy and features Smith as a cop.

May 16: "A man distracted is a man defeated." How distracted were Adam and Matty by Ricky Jay and company's performances in "Redbelt," the latest film from playwright/screenwriter/director David Mamet? Your hosts enter the Filmspotting octagon to review Chiwetel Ejiofor as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor forced to fight for his honor, his dojo and Emily Mortimer. Plus, Matty finally catches up with the little English comedy that could from director Garth Jennings, "Son of Rambow," the darling of the 2007 Sundance Film Festival. Meanwhile, Bruce Dern -- with some help from Joan Baez -- destroys Adam and Matty's (already fragile) relationship with his lead performance in "Silent Running," the third entry in Filmspotting's '70s Sci-Fi Marathon. Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, music by Ari Hest and... "Always Be Closing!" In honor of Mr. Mamet's unique librettos, the guys close out the show with their Top 5 Dialogue Scenes. "Of all the podcasts in all the world... you had to download ours." ** Filmspotting is brought to you by spout.com/contests. Test your movie knowledge and win a Nintendo Wii when you join the scavenger hunt at spout.com/contests, going on right now. ... And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store! ** CONTEST Congrats to our 'Recast The Breakfast Club Contest' winners -- jamerika and cjwood. Next up... Filmspotting and Spout.com invite you to take your best shot at recasting "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark" for a chance to win some great American Apparel swag. A 2nd place winner will get "Speed Racer the Next Generation: The Beginning" on DVD. Filmspotting #210 :24-13:09 - Review: "Redbelt" 13:10-18:35- - Review: "Son of Rambow" Music: Ari Hest, "I'll Be Here" 19:28-22:01 - Poll Questions 22:02-34:18 - Listener Feedback (Box Office Bombs) Music: Ari Hest, "Concrete Sky" 35:26-38:46 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Michael Roth) 38:47-47:31 - '70s Sci-Fi #3: "Silent Running" Music: Ari Hest, "The Weight" 48:09-52:27 - New DVDs, Contest, Donations 52:28-1:04:37 - Top 5: Dialogue Scenes 1:04:38-1:07:36 - Close/Next Show/Outtake + Bonus Vulgarity NOTES/CORRECTIONS - Listener Kate insists that Alice Braga ("Redbelt") is not Sonia Braga's niece, despite all the Google links to the contrary. Sounds good to us. - We (somehow) forgot to mention James Bond in the poll question this week. But it has been included here on the site. - How many movies did Michael Cimino make after "Heaven's Gate"? Looks like 4. - It occurs to me now that Recast winner jamerika is probably 'jam-erika' and not 'ja-merika.' Oh well, ja-merika sounds pretty cool. - Matty was out of his element in denouncing of my "Almost Famous" pick. However, it does belong in the penalty box and has been placed there. - "Almost Famous" was indeed nominated for Best Original Screenplay... and won too. - We're certainly still open to suggestions, but we think we've come up with a good Top 5 for Indy IV next week -- Heroes Who Should Be Revived.

May 9: With a summer movie line-up filled with the likes of Indy, Iron Man and Batman, good ol’ Arthouse Adam listed "Standard Operating Procedure," Errol Morris’ documentary on the notorious Abu Ghraib photographs, as his most anticipated summer film. This week the boys decide which was more gut-wrenching: "Standard Op’s" vivid depictions of the Abu Ghraib atrocities, or being subjected to the Wachowski brothers big-screen adaptation of "Speed Racer," starring Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, and a monkey. Plus, tying in with the infamous evidence at the center of "Standard Operation Procedure," the guys offer up their Top 5 Photography Movies with help from Filmspotting friend and professional photographer Anthony Behar. Go Fimspotters Go! Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, music by Chuck Prophet and the Filmspotting '70s Sci-Fi Marathon continues with a discussion of "The Andromeda Strain," the 1971 alien-microbe-from-outer-space classic based on Michael Crichton’s best-selling novel. Filmspotting is presented by SpoutBlog and the FilmCouch podcast. Find out why The New York Times says, "SpoutBlog's got it all," at blog.spout.com. ...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store! CONTEST Congrats to our 'Recast Ghostbusters Contest' winners -- frozenhamster and minerwerks. Next up... Filmspotting and Spout.com invite you to take your best shot at recasting '80s classic "The Breakfast Club" for a chance to win some great American Apparel swag. A 2nd place winner will get "Speed Racer the Next Generation: The Beginning" on DVD. Filmspotting #209 :24-12:28 - Review: "Standard Operating Procedure" 12:29-17:10- - Review: "Speed Racer" Music: Chuck Prophet, "Let's Do Something Wrong" 17:33-20:34 - Poll Questions 20:35-29:35 - Listener Feedback (Iron Man) Music: Chuck Prophet, "Maked Ray" 30:20-33:52 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Julian Cornell) 33:53-43:19 - '70s Sci-Fi #2: "The Andromeda Strain" Music: Chuck Prophet, "Talkin' New Kingdom" 43:45-47:16 - New DVDs, Contest, Donations 47:17-1:01:23 - Top 5: Photography Movies 1:01:18-1:03:56 - Close/Next Show/Outtake NOTES/CORRECTIONS - Our apologies to those who downloaded the version with the repetitive ending. We have to do two different versions of the sign-off ("For Filmspotting..."), one for Chicago Public Radio.

May 6: Cure your Cinco de Mayo hangover with some hair of the dog and a slug of Filmspotting After Hours. Adam and Matty cobble together another bonus show featuring more great Listener Feedback and the first Listener's Choice review of "Love, Actually."

May 2: This week... What is this Iron Man? A small arthouse documentary on the legendary heavy metal band Black Sabbath? The long awaited Cal Ripken biopic? No, director Jon Favreau treats Adam and Matty to their first taste of a summer popcorn movie with his adaptation of the popular Marvel comic starring Robert Downey, Jr. as playboy-turned-superhero Tony Stark. Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeff Bridges co-star. The original man of iron -- Charlton Heston -- stars in "The Omega Man," the opening entry in Filmspotting's '70s Sci-Fi Marathon. Plus, "Paging Mr. Costner!" In honor of the onset of blockbuster season (emphasis on the BUST), Filmspotting shares the Top 5 Box Office Bombs (That We Like). Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, music by Fever Marlene and Matty's Movie Minute reviews "Baby Mama" (sort of). Filmspotting is presented by SpoutBlog and the FilmCouch podcast. Find out why The New York Times says, "SpoutBlog's got it all," at blog.spout.com. ...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store! CONTEST Congrats to our 'Recast Ghostbusters Contest' winners -- frozenhamster and minerwerks. Next up... Filmspotting and Spout.com invite you to take your best shot at recasting '80s classic "The Breakfast Club" for a chance to win some great American Apparel swag. A 2nd place winner will get "Speed Racer the Next Generation: The Beginning" on DVD. Filmspotting #208 :24-11:01 - Review: "Iron Man" Music: Fever Marlene, "Oh Berlin" 11:59-17:16 - Poll Questions, Matty's Movie Minute 17:17-28:07 - Listener Feedback (Sarah Marshall, Summer Preview) Music: Fever Marlene, "Lemon King Mahoney" 28:53-33:15 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Liz Adams) 33:16-35:05 - Ebertfest 35:06-47:17 - '70s Sci-Fi #1: "The Omega Man" Music: Fever Marlene, "Won't Let You Down" 47:58-55:46 - New DVDs, Contest, Donations 55:47-1:13:21 - Top 5: Box Office Bombs (That We Like) 1:13:22-1:16:10 - Close/Next Show/Outtake NOTES/CORRECTIONS - Yep, I meant "Before Sunrise" that last time but repeated "Before Sunset." - Matty was right... "Omega Man" director Boris Sagal is Katey Sagal's father.

April 25: This week... Filmspotting previews the glorious popcorn season ahead with a countdown of their Top 5 Most Anticipated Summer Movies. And what says 'summer fun' better than a 'War on Terror' double feature? Adam rolls out his best Rumsfeld impression while Matty conjures his best Condi to chase down Public Enemy #1 with director Morgan Spurlock in his latest documentary, "Where in the World is Osama bin Laden?" Plus, Filmspotting has always admired the work of long-time supporting actor Richard Jenkins. How does the venerable 'that guy' do when given the chance to carry a film in a lead role? Your hosts discuss with a review of "The Visitor," writer/director Tom McCarthy's follow-up to his much beloved debut "The Station Agent." Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and music by The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir courtesy of Bloodshot Records. Filmspotting is presented by SpoutBlog and the FilmCouch podcast. Find out why The New York Times says, "SpoutBlog's got it all," at blog.spout.com. ...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store! CONTEST Spout.com dares Filmspotting listeners to recast "Ghostbusters" for a shot at great prizes at recast.spout.com. Filmspotting #207 :24-11:27 - Review: "Where in the World..." Music: SYGC, "I Never Thought..." 12:37-15:39 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Eddie deAngelini) 15:40-24:52 - Review: "The Visitor" Music: SYGC, "Broken Front Teeth" 25:53-30:02 - Poll Questions, Notes 30:03-38:23 - Listener Feedback (Concert Scenes) Music: SYGC, "Then and Not a Moment Before" 39:16-42:47 - New DVDs, Contest, Donations 42:48-53:55 - Top 5: Most Anticipated Summer Movies 53:56-57:15 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes NOTES/CORRECTIONS

April 18: Just when you feel like you're not getting enough full frontal male nudity, ribald oral sex jokes and Paul Rudd in your life, along comes the perfect remedy in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," the latest comedy from producer Judd Apatow starring Jason Segel, Mila Kunis and Kristen Bell. Adam and Matty take a moment to deconstruct some of the recurring themes in the Apatow canon from an auteurist perspective and laud Kunis for a breakout, Bacall-esque performance. Plus, team Filmspotting emerges from the beaches of Florida minted with a fresh sun-burned glow and some thoughts on their experience at the Sarasota Film Festival and their all-time Top 5 Vacation Movies. Plus, a conversation with Richard Jenkins and Hiam Abbas, stars of the new film "The Visitor," from actor/writer/director Tom McCarthy ("The Station Agent"). Also on the show: Massacre Theatre and The Matadors, our Pedro Almodóvar Marathon Awards. Music by The Josh Davis Band courtesy of Authentic Records. Filmspotting is presented by SpoutBlog and the FilmCouch podcast. Find out why The New York Times says, "SpoutBlog's got it all," at blog.spout.com. ...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store! CONTEST Spout.com dares Filmspotting listeners to recast "Ghostbusters" for a shot at great prizes at recast.spout.com. Filmspotting #206 :24-13:51 - Review: "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" Music: The Josh Davis Band, "Turn Up the Sun" 14:39-26:18 - Voicemails, Sarasota Recap 26:19-33:22 - "The Visitor" Interview Music: The Josh Davis Band, "Wedding Crows" 34:10-37:44 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Abby Olcese) 37:45-45:35 - The Matadors - Almodovar Awards 45:36-48:16 - Poll Questions / Next Marathon Music: The Josh Davis Band, "Go Lightly" 48:34-54:55 - New DVDs, Contest, Donations 54:56-1:05:17 - Top 5: Vacation Movies 1:05:18-1:07:18 - Close/Next Show/Outtake NOTES/CORRECTIONS - Obviously I (Adam) meant to reference the "In Cold Blood" duo Dick and Perry in the quote from "Annie Hall."

April 11: Adam and Matty are in Florida on vacation/watching movies at the Sarasota Film Festival and can't pry themselves away to say anything creative here. We hope you enjoy reviews of Martin Scorsese's new Rolling Stones concert film "Shine a Light," in which Buddy Guy puts Mick and Keith to shame, and "Smart People" with Dennis Quaid, Ellen Page and Thomas Haden Church. Plus, tying in with "Shine a Light," we count down our all-time Top 5 Concert Scenes in cinema. Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and our final Pedro Almodóvar Marathon entry, "Bad Education." Music by National Beekeeper's Society. Filmspotting is presented by SpoutBlog and the FilmCouch podcast. Find out why The New York Times says, "SpoutBlog's got it all," at blog.spout.com. ...And by Audible.com. Download a free audiobook of your choice today at audiblepodcast.com/filmspotting. ...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store! CONTEST Spout.com invites Filmspotting listeners to recast "The Princess Bride" for a shot at great prizes at recast.spout.com. One winner will receive Walk the Line Extended Cut, a new 2-Disc Special Edition that includes 17 minutes of bonus footage, extended musical sequences, director commentary, featurettes and more. Filmspotting #205 :23-12:49 - Review: "Shine a Light" 12:50-18:13 - Review: "Smart People" Music: Nat'l Beekeeper's Society, "Funeral Procession" 18:50-23:08 - Voicemails, Notes, Matty's Movie Minute 23:09-35:03 - Feedback (Bookends, Heist Movies) Music: Nat'l Beekeeper's Society, "Swing Dream Requiem" 35:46-39:04 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Jeff Jones) 37:48-48:17 - Almodóvar #5: "Bad Education" / Poll Question Music: Nat'l Beekeeper's Society, "Santa Rosa" 51:37-56:14 - New DVDs, Contests, Donations 56:15-1:07:21 - Top 5: Concert Scenes 1:07:22-1:10:35 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes NOTES/CORRECTIONS - We never got a chance to single out the amazing roster of camera operators Scorsese employs on "Shine a Light," including Robert Richardson and Emmanuel Lubezki. - Not sure "Flawless" director Michael Radford can really be considered "Hollywood," but oh well... - The bottom line on "Heat" is that Matty just really doesn't remember anything about it and does look forward to seeing it again. - We failed to share last week's poll results and will get to that on next week's show.

April 4: On this week's show... Matty promises not to do his Michael Caine impression as long as Adam doesn't break out his Saffron Burrows. In honor of 'Heist Week' on Filmspotting, the guys review a pair of new British caper flicks -- "The Bank Job" (Burrows, Jason Statham) and "Flawless" (Caine, Demi Moore) -- and share their all-time Top 5 Heist Movies. Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, and the latest Almodóvar Marathon entry, "Talk To Her," inspires Matty to vow to stay by Adam's side in the event he is ever gored by a bull and his once-beautiful cherubic frame is kept alive only by machines. Music by Justin Townes Earle courtesy of Bloodshot Records. Filmspotting is presented by SpoutBlog and the FilmCouch podcast. Find out why The New York Times says, "SpoutBlog's got it all," at blog.spout.com. ...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store! CONTEST Spout.com invites Filmspotting listeners to recast "The Princess Bride" for a shot at great prizes at recast.spout.com. One winner will receive Walk the Line Extended Cut, a new 2-Disc Special Edition that includes 17 minutes of bonus footage, extended musical sequences, director commentary, featurettes and more. Filmspotting #204 :24-8:51 - Review: "The Bank Job" 8:52-15:18 - Review: "Flawless" Music: Justin Townes Earle, "The Good Life" 15:47-20:22 - Voicemails, Poll Questions 19:11-33:17 - Feedback (Stop-Loss, Up-and-Coming Actors) Music: Justin Townes Earle, "Who Am I To Say" 34:02-37:43 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Emily Guerrero) 37:48-48:17 - Almodóvar #4: "Talk To Her" Music: Justin Townes Earle, "Hard Livin'" 48:39-54:51 - New DVDs, Contests, Donations 54:52-1:09:01 - Top 5: Heist Movies 1:09:02-1:11:29 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes NOTES/CORRECTIONS - Our first voice-mailer was Nat in Dallas, not Matt. Sorry, Nat! - Check out the winning entries in last week's Recast "The Last Dragon" Contest.

April 2: I was getting pretty tired of listening to reviewer after reviewer blasting Haneke for having the gall to imply that torture and violence are -- in fact -- disturbing. First off, I understand what Haneke is saying... and I hate him for it. I didn't feel challenged. I felt violated. That's right, it's time for another fun-filled Director's Cut/After Hours edition of Fimspotting, where we dive into the mailbag and react to listener thoughts on Michael Haneke's divisive "Funny Games," the joys of our arthouse Marathons and more. Want to help decide what we call this show once and for all? Vote in the poll to your right.

March 28: This week... Adam and Matty ship off for an extended tour of duty with Ryan Phillippe as they discuss "Stop-Loss," the latest film from "Boys Don't Cry" writer/director Kimberly Peirce. Plus, in honor of Adam's "don't ask, don't tell" man crush on "Stop-Loss" co-star Channing Tatum, the boys share their Top 5 Up-and-Coming Actors. Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and our Pedro Almodóvar Marathon continues with 1999's "All About My Mother." Music by Dick Prall from the album "Weightless" courtesy of Authentic Records. Filmspotting is presented by SpoutBlog and the FilmCouch podcast. Find out why The New York Times says, "SpoutBlog's got it all," at blog.spout.com. ...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store! CONTESTS Submit your best Filmspotting Poll question idea to feedback@filmspotting.net and if we use it next week, you'll win Walk the Line Extended Cut, a new 2-Disc Special Edition that includes 17 minutes of bonus footage, extended musical sequences, director commentary, featurettes and more. Spout.com invites Filmspotting listeners to recast "The Last Dragon" and get a shot at great prizes at lastdragon.spout.com. Filmspotting #203 :24-14:35 - Review: "Stop-Loss" Music: Dick Prall, "Halfway To Hollywood" 15:36-19:10 - Corrections, Notes 19:11-27:03 - Listener Feedback (Fourth Wall Movies) Music: Dick Prall, "The Cornflakes Song" 28:09-31:42 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Renee Stern) 31:43-39:56 - Almodóvar #3: "All About My Mother" Music: Dick Prall, "If It Bends" 40:28-45:38 - New DVDs, Contests, Donations 45:39-49:38 - Top 5 Setup, Poll Questions 49:39-1:03:40 - Top 5: Up-and-Coming Actors 1:03:41-1:06:10 - Close/Next Show/Outtake NOTES/CORRECTIONS - Studio 360 interview with Kimberly Peirce. - Matty and I realize that we have a tendency to lump any 'war on terror' movie into the same category even if that's not really appropriate. For example, "Taxi To The Dark Side" is a movie about the U.S. policy on torture and not really an 'Iraq movie', though a good chunk of it does deal with Abu Ghraib. - Matty commented that "Stop-Loss" is basically "Varsity Blues" goes to war. Am I crazy, or were the marketing folks apparently thinking the same thing? Check out the posters here and here. - Who is Sargent Shriver? Find out here. - A Tale of Two Pedros by Michael Atkinson.

March 21: This week Adam outfits Matty in requisite black sweater and beret and forces him to enjoy an arthouse double feature. Will Matty reject Michael Haneke's ultra-violent "Funny Games" and Gus Van Sant's languid "Paranoid Park," or revel in both? Plus, the boys dabble in Verfremdungseffekt for a countdown of their Top 5 Movies That Break the Fourth Wall. Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and the Pedro Almodóvar Marathon continues with a pregnant Penelope Cruz and a wheelchair bound Javier Bardem in 1997's "Live Flesh." Music by The Nadas from their new album "The Ghosts Inside These Halls" courtesy of Authentic Records. Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Spout.com presents BUTTERKNIFE, a new generation detective series made by a new generation of filmmakers. Up now at butterknife.spout.com! ...And by Audible.com. Download a free audiobook of your choice today at audiblepodcast.com/filmspotting. ...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store! Filmspotting #202 :35-12:33 - Review: "Funny Games" 12:34-20:08 - Review: "Paranoid Park" Music: The Nadas, "Loser" 21:09-25:01 - Anthony Minghella, Notes, Polls 25:02-34:53 - Listener Feedback ('60s Movies) Music: The Nadas, "Blue Lights" 36:11-39:36 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Josh Jenkins) 39:38-46:05 - Almodóvar #2: "Live Flesh" Music: The Nadas, "Goodnight Girl" 46:56-50:04 - New DVDs, Donations 52:37-1:02:54 - Top 5: Fourth Wall Movies 1:02:55-1:05:50 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes NOTES/CORRECTIONS - Lest you think my No Country-ish reading of "Funny Games" is completely nuts, check out this video interview I found with Michael Haneke discussing his original "Funny Games" -- note particularly the last 45 seconds or so. "All the rules that exist to keep society functioning are nothing to them. And faced with characters like that, you don’t stand a chance. I think that’s what is so shocking." Indeed, Mr. Haneke. Indeed. - Check out Frederick Wiseman docs on DVD from Zipporah Films. - Alas, no "Matty's Movie Minute" this week as Matty just couldn't squeeze in another film. - You can find a decent plot summary for "Live Flesh" here.

March 18: Put the kiddies to bed, don your best housecoat, break out the scotch (any type of Glen will do), and join Adam and Matty for some Filmspotting After Dark ... or, um, Filmspotting: The Director's Cut... or Filmspotting: The Feedback Show. We're not really sure what we're calling this thing. In any event, we're trotting out a short bonus edition of Filmspotting focusing on your feedback and whatever else pops into our heads. May become a regular thing, may not. Hope you enjoy.

March 14: The boys are back after a week off and ready to blow off some steam, fight the man, and storm the old Chicago Amphitheatre alongside Abbie Hoffman, Rennie Davis and David Dellinger in director Brett Morgen's latest kaleidoscopic gonzo-documentary "Chicago 10." Featuring the vocal talents of Hank Azaria, Mark Ruffalo and Jeffrey Wright, the film chronicles the 1968 Democratic National Convention riots and subsequent trial of its alleged instigators -- inspiring Matty and Adam to share their Top 5 '60s Movies (movies set in the '60s, not from the '60s). Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and Filmspotting's Pedro Almodóvar Marathon launches with a review of 1996's "The Flower of My Secret." Music by Wilder Embry from his new album "Squander." Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Spout.com presents BUTTERKNIFE, a new generation detective series made by a new generation of filmmakers. Up now at butterknife.spout.com! ...And by Audible.com. Download a free audiobook of your choice today at audiblepodcast.com/filmspotting. ...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store! Filmspotting #201 :35-17:34 - Review: "Chicago 10" Music: Wilder Embry, "Karaoke" 18:23-24:25 - Voicemail, Polls, Notes 24:26-25:25 - Matty's Movie Minute: "Semi-Pro" 25:26-34:39 - Feedback (Actors We Wouldn't Cast) Music: Wilder Embry, "Answers" 36:10-39:36 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: John Damer) 39:37-47:00 - Almodóvar #1: "The Flower of My Secret" Music: Wilder Embry, "Two Hearts Beat" 47:27-52:36 - New DVDs, Donations 52:37-1:03:50 - Top 5: '60s Movies 1:03:51-1:06:34 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes NOTES/CORRECTIONS - Brett Morgen was kind enough to respond to my follow-up query about the use of music in "Chicago 10." Here is what he had to say about the use of music: "There was no music added or cut since Sundance and all the cues are the same." So there you have it. Frustrating indeed to not be able to account for the difference in my perception of the music from then to now. That said, I'm starting to realize that your festival experience can often be very different from your non-festival one. - 'IKEA' Knightley and Orlando 'Bland' are names popularized by the BBC's Mark Kermode. - During our Almodóvar discussion, we pronounced Leo's name (short for Leocadia) as LEE-oh. It should have been LAY-oh. We are Midwestern hicks, after all; but in our defense, watch the movie and you barely hear the distinction when the characters pronounce the main characters name. - My apologies to Zach in Atlanta. I misspoke when saying that he left a voicemail thanking Matty for introducing him to "After the Wedding" and "This Is England." It was actually "England" and "The Wind That Shakes the Barley."

March 7: Filmspotting is celebrating its three-year anniversary with a week off... Adam is spending time with the kids who no longer know his name, while Matty is acquainting himself with the filmography of Apichatpong Weerasethakul (it's about time!). But lest we leave you without a Filmspotting fix, we offer this look back at three Oscar-themed interviews from the past year -- conversations with Josh Brolin ("No Country for Old Men"), Todd Haynes ("I'm Not There") and Ellen Page and Diablo Cody ("Juno.") Of course, it occurs to us now that rather than going with three (recent) interviews connected by Oscar, it probably would have been more fun to really dig into the vault and revisit conversations that newer Filmspotting listeners may have missed -- Richard Linklater, Todd Field and Rian Johnson, for example. There's always episode #300. Sorry. Note that the memorable "Transformers" voicemail was the handiwork of Greg Rice from Valencia, CA. Great stuff, Greg. Music by Waco Brothers courtesy of Bloodshot Records. Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Spout.com presents BUTTERKNIFE, a new generation detective series made by a new generation of filmmakers. Watch now at butterknife.spout.com! ...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store!

February 29: For all those who wondered what would have happened if Pete Best and Ringo Starr had performed with The Beatles at the same time, or if Dick York and Dick Sargent had appeared on "Bewitched" together, well, your wait is over. Filmspotting celebrates its 200th episode by welcoming back original co-host Sam Van Hallgren ... Sam joins Adam and Matty in recounting their Top 5 Filmspotting Discoveries -- and joins Matty for an inspired edition of Massacre Theatre. Plus, your hosts commemorate the show's milestone with their first real fight -- a spirited disagreement over the new teen comedy "Charlie Bartlett," starring Anton Yelchin, Robert Downey, Jr. and Hope Davis. Also on the show: Your Top 5 Filmspotting Discoveries in Listener Feedback, a brief Oscars recap, and Adam and Matty hand out some hardware of their own -- The Svens -- recognizing the best performances and moments from their recently wrapped Ingmar Bergman Marathon. Music by Wilder Embry from his new album "Squander." Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Spout.com presents BUTTERKNIFE, a new generation detective series made by a new generation of filmmakers. Up now at butterknife.spout.com! ...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store! Filmspotting #200 :23-10:21 - Review: "Charlie Bartlett" Music: Wilder Embry, "Dyin for Ya" 12:20-20:04 - Polls, Oscars Recap 20:05-27:00 - Bergman Marathon Awards Music: Wilder Embry, "Kitchen Beautician" 28:16-34:38 - Welcome Van Sam, 'Ashamed List' Revisited 34:39-43:05 - Listener Feedback (FS Discoveries) Music: Wilder Embry, "Mommy" 43:42-49:21 - New DVDs, Donations 49:22-53:46 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Seth Micalizzi) 53:47-1:11:32 - Top 5: Filmspotting Discoveries 1:11:33-1:14:04 - Close/Next Show/Outtake NOTES/CORRECTIONS - Jon Stewart previously hosted the Oscars two years ago, not last year as I (Adam) suggested. - Thanks to Jeff Huston for passing along this article by Ken Russell, "What makes Ingmar Bergman the best." - The consensus from listeners on Hayden Christenson's performance in "Shattered Glass" was that he was surprisingly decent in the role. As Stephen Alford so nicely put it: "Hayden Christensen's performance in Shattered Glass works better than his other performances only because he was playing a chronic liar doing a rotten job trying to hide the truth, much like a chronic actor doing a rotten job trying to represent the truth." Despite my suggestion during #199 that there really is no 'right' role for Christenson, I do agree "Glass" came pretty close. Who better to portray someone who is constantly trying to please everyone and doesn't know how to be his own man than someone as awkward on screen as Christenson? - Both Donations and Discoveries feedback continued to pour in this week after we had already recorded this episode. As mentioned during the show, don't worry, you will get your Van Hallgren nickname; and we do hope to find time in the next few weeks to fit in some more Discoveries stuff. Thanks to everyone for your unbelievable support these past three years -- financial and intellectual!

February 22: This week, when they're walkin' down the street (yeah), and they see a little ghost (what), what are Matty and Adam gonna say about "Be Kind Rewind," Michel Gondry's latest comedy starring Mos Def and Jack Black? Matty also finally convinced Adam to take his wife to a romantic comedy and the boys will relive the Kempenaars' experience with Ryan Reynolds, Isla Fisher and Abigail Breslin in "Definitely, Maybe." Plus, Kevin Spacey joins us to count down the Top 5 Actors We Wouldn't Cast In Our Movie. (OK, no he doesn't, but does he make an appearance on the lists?) Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and the Ingmar Bergman Marathon draws to a close with a review of 1982's "Fanny and Alexander." Music by Mark Pickerel and His Praying Hands from the new album "Cody's Dream" (available March 4) courtesy of Bloodshot Records. Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Spout.com presents BUTTERKNIFE, a new generation detective series made by a new generation of filmmakers. Up now at butterknife.spout.com! ...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store! ...And by Audible.com. Download a free audiobook of your choice today at audiblepodcast.com/filmspotting. Filmspotting #199 :35-11:19 - Review: "Be Kind Rewind" 11:20-16:56 - Review: "Definitely, Maybe" Music: Mark Pickerel, "Cody's Dream" 17:23-23:44 - Notes, Matty's (and Adam's) Movie Minute 23:45-31:30 - Polls, Listener Feedback (Love Scenes) Music: Mark Pickerel, "She Calls" 32:31-36:31 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Tyler Lyon) 36:32-45:16 - Bergman #6: Fanny and Alexander Music: Mark Pickerel, "She Sleeps Through The Sirens" 45:45-49:41 - New DVDs, Donations 49:42-1:04:24 - Top 5: Actors We Wouldn't Cast 1:04:25-1:07:40 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes NOTES/CORRECTIONS - Check out clips from "George A. Romeros' Diary of the Dead" here. - Matty busted me last week on Mercedes Ruehl, so I've got to call him out on the pronunciation of gymnast Nadia Comaneci. I've always heard it/said it "Coe-muh-NEECH," which Nadia apparently has said is correct. According to an article I found online, however, she did clarify further: "Actually, it's Coe-muh-NECH. A short 'e.' I went halfway between Romanian and yours." I know, what a relief this has been settled. - This week's Top 5 is a response of sorts to Filmspotting 166's Top 5 Actors We WOULD Cast In Our Movie. - The exact quote attributed to Harrison Ford when making "Star Wars" is: "You sure can type this sh**, George, but you can't say it."

February 15: "In Bruges," the new dark comedy from playwright-turned-director Martin McDonagh, finds hitmen Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleason biding their time in the title's quaint, medieval city. After watching the film, Matty hasn't been able to stop asking his confused friends and family, "In effing Bruges??" -- complete with faux Irish accent. Find out whether or not that's a good thing. Plus, your hosts make time to discuss Cristian Mungiu's 2007 Cannes Palme d'Or winner, "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days." Adam has been singing the challenging film's praises for months. Will Matty join him in condemning the Academy for failing to nominate "4 Months" for Best Foreign-Language Film? Speaking of the Academy, Filmspotting welcomes A.V. Club editor Keith Phipps to share their 2008 Oscar Picks, and also help the lads steam up the booth with their Top 5 Love Scenes (in honor of Valentine's Day.) For more, be sure to check out Matt Singer and company's fine work over at IFC -- "The 50 Greatest Sex Scenes in Cinema." Music by The Rosebuds courtesy of Merge Records. Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Spout.com presents BUTTERKNIFE, a new generation detective series made by a new generation of filmmakers. Up now at butterknife.spout.com! ...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store! Filmspotting #198 :23-12:51 - Review: "In Bruges" 12:52-17:29 - Review: "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days" Music: The Rosebuds, "Boxcar" 18:00-23:13 - Audio Feedback, Notes, Polls 23:14-25:46 - Matty's Movie Minute 25:47-32:38 - Listener Feedback (London Movies) Music: The Rosebuds, "Wildcast" 33:08-36:56 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Randal McGavock) 36:57-47:30 - Oscar Picks Music: The Rosebuds, "Leaves Do Fall" 47:54-53:19 - New DVDs, Donations 53:20-56:39 - Oscar Picks cont. 56:40-1:06:31 - Top 5: Love Scenes 1:06:32-1:09:01 - Close/Next Show/Outtake NOTES/CORRECTIONS - "Taxi to the Dark Side" is an Oscar nominee this year for Best Documentary. - "Tiger Town" is the TV movie Matty references in his tribute to Roy Scheider. - "London Film Location Guide" by Simon James. - According to IMDb, the subject of "Terror's Advocate," Jacques Vergès, is "the controversial lawyer and former Free French Forces guerrilla who has defended unpopular figures such as Nazi war criminal Klaus Barbie and Holocaust denier Roger Garaudy." - Yes, Matty and guest Keith Phipps sound like they are a bit off-mic at times as compared to Adam. Part of it just has to do with the nature of our respective voices, but it is mainly due to mic positioning. We're in a new recording spot and still working out some kinks. Have a comment or Top 5 list you'd like to share? Send an e-mail or short mp3 clip to feedback@filmspotting.net. Or give us a call at 206-203-CINE and leave a voice message.

February 8: Adam counts Woody Allen as one of his favorite directors; Matty, unfortunately, has not been able to muster much love for Woody's post-1994 canon -- "Curse of the Jade Scorpion," anyone? This week the boys tackle Allen's latest, "Cassandra's Dream," a London-based thriller starring Ewan MacGregor, Colin Farrell and Tom Wilkinson. Will Woody finally right himself in Matty's eyes? Will Adam have reason to continue to sing his idol's praises? Plus, the Ingmar Bergman Marathon rolls on with a discussion of 1968's "Shame," Bergman's bleak examination of war starring Max Von Sydow and Liv Ullman. Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, and -- tying in with "Cassandra's Dream" -- our in-house cheeky little monkeys run down their Top 5 London Movies. Music by The Comfies courtesy of Livewire Recordings. Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Spout.com presents BUTTERKNIFE, a new generation detective series made by a new generation of filmmakers. Up now at butterknife.spout.com! ...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store! Filmspotting #197 :23-12:39 - Review: "Cassandra's Dream" Music: The Comfies, "Close To Me" 13:27-19:59 - Poll Questions, Notes 20:00-30:31 - Listener Feedback (Persepolis, Coming of Age Movies) Music: The Comfies, "Your Sunshine" 31:37-34:53 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Sharon Rodgers) 34:54-44:32 - Bergman #5: "Shame" Music: The Comfies, "In My Room" 45:22-49:32 - New DVDs, Donations 49:33-1:02:11 - Top 5: London Movies 1:02:12-1:03:56 - Close/Next Show/Outtake NOTES/CORRECTIONS - In our congrats to Scott Tobias we failed to mention he is, of course, one of the fine critics from The Onion's A.V. Club. - I (Adam) misspoke during segment two referring to "Atonement" and meant to say "...the power of the book," not "...the power of the movie." - Turns out "In the Shadow of the Moon" is NOT being released this coming Tuesday on DVD. Apparently there are some legal issues between Thinkfilm and Image Entertainment. - As noted here last week, we obviously did end up going with London Movies for the Top 5 and not Movies by Playwrights-turned-Directors, as originally mentioned on show #196. Have a comment or Top 5 list you'd like to share? Send an e-mail or short mp3 clip to feedback@filmspotting.net. Or give us a call at 206-203-CINE and leave a voice message.

February 1: On this week's show, Matty and Adam give a "C'est bon!" to Vincent Paronnaud and Marjane Satrapi's "Persepolis," the Oscar-nominated animated film based on Satrapi's autobiographical graphic novels about growing up during the Islamic Revolution in Iran. Plus, your hosts attend communion and question the existence of God as their Ingmar Bergman Marathon resumes with a discussion of 1962's "Winter Light." Also on the show: Massacre Theatre, Listener Feedback, and -- tying in with "Persepolis" -- our Top 5 Coming of Age Movies. Music by Akron/Family courtesy of Everloving Records. Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Spout.com presents BUTTERKNIFE, a new generation detective series made by a new generation of filmmakers. Up now at butterknife.spout.com! ...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store! Filmspotting #196 :23-9:14 - Review: "Persepolis" Music: Akron/Family, "Don't Be Afraid, You're Already Dead" 10:21-16:49 - Audio Feedback, Polls 16:50-25:07 - Listener Feedback (Oscar Nominations) Music: Akron/Family, "Lake Song/New Ceremonial Music for Moms" 25:33-29:16 - New DVDs, Donations 29:17-32:50 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Stephen Alford) 32:51-43:11 - Bergman #4: "Winter Light" Music: Akron/Family, "There's So Many Colors" 43:57-56:05 - Top 5: Coming of Age Movies 56:06-57:42 - Close/Next Show NOTES/CORRECTIONS - Joe Wright obviously did not receive an Oscar nomination for Best Director. I (Adam) just meant that he belonged in that group with those other "flashy" directors. - "Winter Light's" predecessor in the trilogy mentioned is "Through a Glass Darkly" not "Through THE Glass Darkly." - Next week's Top 5 is actually going to be London Movies, and not Movies by Playwrights turned Directors, which was great in theory but impossible in practice. Have a comment or Top 5 list you'd like to share? Send an e-mail or short mp3 clip to feedback@filmspotting.net. Or give us a call at 206-203-CINE and leave a voice message.