Episode 170: The Drive-Thru Dig [Parasite; The Irishman; Marriage Story]
It’s Episode 170 of In the Mood for Podcast!
It’s been four years, but Cal and Pete are finally back together in a bumper two-hour episode that features lots of discussion of the Oscars, and that history-making win for Bong Joon-Ho’s “Parasite”. We reveal our feelings about the film, while Pete gets his statistician head on as we detail some interesting Oscar trends that have emerged in the past decade. Elsewhere, we chat about the length (among many other things) of Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman,” troubling preconceptions of Renee Zelwegger are tested when we review “Judy,” while we discuss an unexpected best-in-show in “Bombshell”. Five acting nominations between “Marriage Story” and “The Two Popes” get us discussing the worthiness of this year’s crop of nominees, while a snub from times-gone-by sets us off on a digression on the 1990 Best Actor lineup. In other news, Pete finally saw the end of “Wolf of Wall Street,” Cal has a bee in his bonnet about flashbacks, and Pete saves a scathing fast food-related diss until late in the day.
Opening Segment: A quick look back at the last four years, and although Pete’s cinema going has taken a hit, he offers some of his notable watches since we last did an episode together!
[5:00 – 20:23]
Preconception Corner (including a listener question from Ibbi!)
Reviews of:
- The Irishman 39:25 – 53:46
- Bombshell 53:47 – 1:04:40
- Judy 1:04:41 – 1:14:02
- Marriage Story 1:14:03 – 1:24:38
- The Two Popes 1:24:39 – 1:31:20
- Parasite 1:31:21 – 1:40:00
Closing Segment: Discussing new Oscar trends since we started the podcast eight years ago, including acting sweeps, picture/director splits, and diversity scandals!
[1:40:01 – 1:55:27]
Shag, Marry or Kill?
The Pootsition
The Garrett Gauge
Intro Music: Thin Lizzy, “The Boys are Back in Town”
Outro Music: Marmalade, “Reflections of My Life”
Episode 167: The Life of Pablo [Oscar Nominations Reaction; Top Ten Films of 2016]
In the wake of the Oscar nominations, Cal and Irini are back to discuss the exciting inclusions and dastardly snubs from this year’s crop, dishing our opinions on an unfortunate Amy Adams and a crowded Best Actress race, conceding to the power of Michael Shannon, and generally shaking our heads in disapproval at Mel Gibson. Elsewhere, we each give our top ten films of 2016, which includes those from Korea, Germany, Argentina, and more! Plus there’s a lot of love for Pablo Larrain, and one of Irini’s favourites receives a less-than-enthusiastic response from Cal.
Oscar Nominations:
- Our reactions to this year’s nominees!
[1:35 – 21:00]
Top Ten Films of 2016:
- Our favourite films and performances from the year!
[21:05 – 56:55]
Intro Music: Lady Antebellum, “American Honey”
Outro Music: “Drive It Like You Stole It” (From Sing Street)
Episode 164: Awakenings [The Revenant; The Force Awakens; Spotlight; Carol]
It’s Episode 164 of In the Mood for Podcast, a British-based film podcast hosted by Calum Reed of Ultimate Addict and Pete Sheppard of In the Mood for Blog.
We’re back from a two-month absence with a jam-packed podcast, focusing on the big juggernauts of this year’s awards season, as well as the seventh instalment of a certain sci-fi franchise. We tackle Steven Spielberg’s latest moody historical drama “Bridge of Spies,” claustrophobic double-hander “Room,” and Todd Haynes’ lesbian tale “Carol,” which had to hurdle prickly preconceptions from Pete about one of its main stars. We give our verdict on Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s forest-set revenge tale “The Revenant,” Thomas McCarthy’s journalism drama “Spotlight,” and the biggest film of 2015, “The Force Awakens,” while we may have had a few choice words to say about the use of Margot Robbie in fancied finance crisis comedy “The Big Short.” Elsewhere, we predict this year’s Academy Award nominations (happening tomorrow!), we mourn the death of the great David Bowie, there’s a digression on the films of 1988, and a listener question prompts an upheaval of The Pootsition.
Opening Segment: Discussing the film career of musician, actor, and all-around legend David Bowie, who sadly passed away this week
[1:40 – 9:30]
Preconception Corner
Reviews of:
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens 27:40 – 37:24
- Bridge of Spies 37:25 – 45:36
- Carol 45:37 – 51:53
- The Revenant 51:54 – 1:04:14
- Room 1:08:10 – 1:16:41
- The Big Short 1:16:42 – 1:24:12
- Spotlight 1:24:13 – 1:31:46
Closing Segment: Previewing this week’s Academy Award nominations!
[1:31:47 – 1:46:45]
Shag, Marry or Kill?
The Pootsition
The Garrett Gauge
Outro Music: David Bowie, “Five Years”
Episode 157: The French Horn [The Man From UNCLE; Love and Mercy; Gemma Bovery]
It’s Episode 157 of In the Mood for Podcast, a British-based film podcast hosted by Calum Reed of Ultimate Addict and Pete Sheppard of In the Mood for Blog.
With the exception of Guy Ritchie’s “The Man from U.N.C.L.E,” this week’s selection of films is fairly highbrow, as we discuss the acclaimed story of Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson, “Love and Mercy,” and the elderly romance arthouse hit “I’ll See You In My Dreams,” while we seemed to spend an age discussing our various issues with Anne Fontaine’s “Gemma Bovery.” Elsewhere, Blythe Danner’s Pinot Grigio diet appeals to Cal, Universal’s domination of the marketplace gives us pause for thought, and there are titanic preconceptions for next week’s re-appearance of Charlotte Rampling.
The week’s news
[4:40 – 13:50]
Preconception Corner
Reviews of:
- Love and Mercy 24:50 – 33:29
- The Man From U.N.C.L.E 33:30 – 40:45
- I’ll See You In My Dreams 40:46 – 51:59
- Gemma Bovery 52:00 – 1:08:05
Shag, Marry or Kill?
The Pootsition
The Garrett Gauge
Outro Music: Boston, “More Than a Feeling”
Episode 150: The Military Potential [Jurassic World; Mr. Holmes; Accidental Love]
It’s Episode 150 of In the Mood for Podcast, a British-based film podcast hosted by Calum Reed of Ultimate Addict and Pete Sheppard of In the Mood for Blog.
We’re back this week with a packed episode, as we get around to tackling the record-breaking blockbuster “Jurassic World” and the latest collaboration between Bill Condon and Ian McKellen, “Mr. Holmes,” while some interesting news items get us chattering about Kristen Stewart’s sexuality and Ingrid Bergman’s past indiscretions. We pay tribute to the late James Horner by discussing some of our favourite work of his, Cal reviews Celine Sciamma’s latest coming-of-age tale “Girlhood,” and trepidation for the the heavily-delayed and part-disowned “Accidental Love” is tested when we review David O. Russell’s foray into the world of political satire. Meanwhile, Cal has caught up with a British Springtime hit and one of Harvey Weinstein’s Oscar hopes, Pete is distinctly unimpressed with Vincent D’Onofrio’s military mindset, and Laura Linney’s stab at a regional English accent goes down like a lead balloon.
The week’s news:
- James Mangold to direct “Seducing Ingrid Bergman”
- Kevin Spacey receives an honorary Knighthood
- Kristen Stewart is outed?
- The death of James Horner
[4:50 – 18:27]
Preconception Corner
Reviews of:
- Jurassic World 33:45 – 45:39
- Accidental Love 45:40 – 58:33
- Girlhood 58:34 – 1:06:23
- Mr. Holmes 1:06:24 – 1:18:50
Shag, Marry or Kill?
The Pootsition
The Garrett Gauge
Outro Music: Scissor Sisters feat. Ian McKellen, “Invisible Light”
Episode 149: The Garland Giveaway [Spy; Survivor; Black Coal Thin Ice]
It’s Episode 149 of In the Mood for Podcast, a British-based film podcast hosted by Calum Reed of Ultimate Addict and Pete Sheppard of In the Mood for Blog.
This week we’re dealing with a litany of deaths in the film world, as two actors, a screenwriter, and a producer all passed away, plus we dust off the cobwebs for a lengthy Red Light District. The week’s reviews include James McTeigue’s secret service drama “Survivor,” the latest collaboration between Paul Feig and Melissa McCarthy, “Spy,” and Chinese Golden Bear winner “Black Coal Thin Ice” (again). Meanwhile, Helen Mirren’s won yet another award for playing the Queen, there are rumblings of discontent about Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s attempt at a French accent, and Cal’s drunken encounter with a singer is contradicted by his love of Judy Garland.
The week’s news:
- Helen Mirren wins a TONY
- The death of Sir Christopher Lee
- The death of Ron Moody
- The death of Jean Gruault
- The death of Robert Chartoff
- “The Walk” to open the New York Film Festival
[4:23 – 14:40]
Red Light District: This month’s round-up of films seen from the past, featuring discussion of “Cuban Fury,” “Curtain Up,” “The Harvey Girls,” “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen,” “Time After Time,” and “We Need to Talk About Kevin”
[14:41 – 26:42]
Preconception Corner
Reviews of:
- Survivor 31:08 – 41:51
- Black Coal, Thin Ice 41:52 – 49:08
- Spy 49:09 – 1:02:38
Shag, Marry or Kill?
The Pootsition
The Garrett Gauge
Episode 147:The Birdseye Debacle [Tomorrowland; Poltergeist; Return to Sender]
It’s Episode 147 of In the Mood for Podcast, a British-based film podcast hosted by Calum Reed of Ultimate Addict and Pete Sheppard of In the Mood for Blog.
This much-delayed episode sees us discuss last week’s big releases at the cinema, including Brad Bird’s adventure tale “Tomorrowland,” and horror remake “Poltergeist.” We also had time to chat about Rosamund Pike’s latest twisted thriller, “Return to Sender,” and Cal reveals all about Samuel L. Jackson’s “Big Game,” which had a rather ludicrous plot setup to live up to. Simon Pegg’s recent outspoken antics may have upset comic-book geeks far and wide, but his thoughts on modern blockbusters instigate a lengthy chat about the future of the industry, while the prizes from the Cannes Film Festival dredge up longstanding observations about the festival’s politics. We may only be in June, but tune in to find out which leading performance Cal has already declared the worst of the year, which fishy figurehead Nick Nolte reminded Pete of, and which lesser-known actress emerged as the star of her film.
The week’s news: Discussing some interesting birthdays in the world of film, Simon Pegg’s assault on modern studio filmmaking, and the prizes from the Cannes Film Festival!
[3:10 – 22:00]
Preconception Corner
Reviews of:
- Poltergeist 29:28 – 38:21
- Return to Sender 38:22 – 50:07
- Big Game 50:08 – 56:39
- Tomorrowland 56:40 – 1:08:12
Shag, Marry or Kill?
The Pootsition
The Garrett Gauge
Episode 139: The Alexa Conjecture [Run All Night; The Duke of Burgundy; Suite Francaise]
It’s Episode 139 of In the Mood for Podcast, a British-based film podcast hosted by Calum Reed of Ultimate Addict and Pete Sheppard of In the Mood for Blog.
This week the Red Light District returns, bringing news of films from the fifties, a World Cinema classic from Scandinavia, and digressions involving Maria Schell, Ava Gardner, and Otto Preminger. We have reviews of the latest Jaume Collet-Serra/Liam Neeson project “Run All Night,” wartime romance “Suite Francaise,” and meditative drama “Still Life,” while one of us was more prepared than the other for the Sapphic shenanigans in Peter Strickland’s “The Duke of Burgundy.” Elsewhere, Pete’s fondness for Sidse Babett Knudsen goes into overdrive, Cal feels guilty for a second consecutive snub of Matthias Schoenaerts, and we’re all about the Arri Alexa.
Red Light District: Pimping the best old films we’ve seen in the past month, featuring discussion of “Gervaise,” “Pelle the Conqueror,” and “The Smallest Show on Earth”
[8:50 – 20:30]
Preconception Corner
Reviews of:
- The Duke of Burgundy 30:45 – 44:54
- Suite Francaise 44:55 – 53:30
- Still Life 53:31 – 1:02:25
- Run All Night 1:02:26 – 1:14:28
Shag, Marry or Kill?
The Pootsition
The Garrett Gauge
Episode 135: The Shame of Seamus [Fifty Shades of Grey; Kingsman; Love Is Strange; Oscar Predictions]
It’s Episode 135 of In the Mood for Podcast, a British-based film podcast hosted by Calum Reed of Ultimate Addict and Pete Sheppard of In the Mood for Blog.
This week, we discuss the upcoming Oscars, casting our predictions for 20 of the 24 categories, and mulling over the scenarios that could befall presumed leaders “Birdman” and “Boyhood,” plus there’s big news from Berlin, as Charlotte Rampling stakes a claim for a place at next year’s Oscars. We get physical, as Pete was the podcast representative for Matthew Vaughn’s violent spy thriller “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” while Sam Taylor-Johnson’s hotly-anticipated “Fifty Shades of Grey” had its own share of weaponry. It’s fair to say that the erotic mega-hit wasn’t really going to be up either of our alleys, but the assembled crew generated cause for excitement. Pete snubbed Marisa Tomei but Cal managed to catch Ira Sachs’ latest gay-themed drama “Love is Strange,” while a seven-film haul in the Red Light District leads to discussion of the Best Actor Oscar race of 1998, Tyrone Power’s limited acting ability, and the allure of Dylan McDermott. Elsewhere, this week’s Joe Wright rant concerns a lesser-known Scottish actor, we’re once again reminded of the original Huston Problem, and there’s an unexpected nod to Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
- The death of Louis Jordan
- Berlin Film Festival winners
[2:35 – 10:04]
Red Light District: Pimping the best films we’ve seen from yesteryear, featuring discussion of “The Flight of the Phoenix,” “Gods and Monsters,” “In the Line of Fire,” “Inside Moves,” “The Luck of the Irish,” “The Prowler,” and “Reuben, Reuben”!
[10:05 – 26:53]
Preconception Corner
Reviews of:
- Kingsman: The Secret Service 36:13 – 45:33
- Love Is Strange 45:34 – 56:03
- Fifty Shades of Grey 56:04 – 1:13:07
Closing Segment: Predicting this year’s Oscar winners, featuring discussion of everything from the big “Boyhood” vs. “Birdman” tussle, to the closely fought Best Editing race, to the likelihood of an upset in the Best Foreign Language Film category!
[1:13:08 – 1:29:30]
Shag, Marry or Kill?
The Pootsition
The Garrett Gauge
Episode 131: The Oxford Issue [American Sniper; Whiplash; Wild]
It’s Episode 131 of In the Mood for Podcast, a British-based film podcast hosted by Calum Reed of Ultimate Addict and Pete Sheppard of In the Mood for Blog.
This week was so jam-packed that we had to cut the entire news segment, but don’t worry, we’ll get around to that in our next episode. Instead, we react to last week’s Oscar nominations with theories on everything from the race row, to the surprise Marion Cotillard inclusion, to the unexpected haul for “American Sniper”. We also review Clint Eastwood’s latest delight, as well as other nominated films, including musical drama “Whiplash,” and soul-searching adventure “Wild,” starring Cal’s favourite, Reese Witherspoon. We’re on board with a wine-quaffing Kevin Kline in Parisian jaunt “My Old Lady,” and Pete dishes all on Alicia Vikander’s received pronunciation in wartime romance “Testament of Youth,” which featured too much Oxford reverence for his liking. Elsewhere, Bradley Cooper’s fuller face is up for scrutiny, there’s an unexpected bit of advocacy from Jane Fonda, and Sienna Miller’s dark locks threaten to steal the gold in The Pootsition.
Preconception Corner
Reviews of:
- American Sniper 10:40 – 22:24
- Whiplash 22:25 – 37:21
- My Old Lady 37:22 – 45:50
- Testament of Youth 45:51 – 54:40
- Wild 54:41 – 1:07:23
Closing Segment: Our reaction to the Oscar nominations, featuring discussion of the snubs, the race row, and the quality of the nominees as a whole!
[1:07:24 – 1:27:12]
The Isaac Range
Outro Music: Kristina Train, “Dark Black”
Episode 130: Jardiner du Jour [Foxcatcher; Into the Woods; Predicting the Oscar Noms]
Episode 130: Jardiner du Jour
It’s Episode 130 of In the Mood for Podcast, a British-based film podcast hosted by Calum Reed of Ultimate Addict and Pete Sheppard of In the Mood for Blog.
We only have two films this week, but the episode is jam-packed, thanks to Sunday’s Golden Globe awards and the impending Oscar nominations. We discuss the highlights from the ceremony, and the impact of recent events on all of the major Oscar races, speculating whether Jennifer Aniston can really seal the deal, and if there’s any room for manoeuvre in that seemingly locked Supporting Actress lineup. Elsewhere, negative preconceptions concerning Steve Carell are tested when we review Bennett Miller’s “Foxcatcher,” and Pete’s far-from-impressed verdict on “Into the Woods” sees Cal and Irini scrambling to defend the Disney musical. The return of the Red Light District sees us chat about the days when Leos Carax was joyful, the banality of Adolf Eichmann, and Jean-Luc Godard’s contempt for iPhones, while Pete has his own bridges to burn with social media, and none of us are quite sure how to pronounce Isabel Coixet’s name.
- The death of Anita Ekberg
- The death of Francesco Rosi
- The death of Samuel Goldwyn Jr
- Isabel Coixet’s new film to open Berlin Film Festival
Opening Segment: Our review of Sunday’s Golden Globe Awards, featuring reaction to the winners, the speeches, and of course the fashion!
[7:20 – 27:35]
Preconception Corner
Reviews of:
- Foxcatcher
- Into the Woods
[33:50 – 57:10]
Red Light District: Pimping the best films we’ve seen lately, featuring discussion of “Alice in the Cities,” “Beginners,” “Cleo from 5 to 7,” “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” “Force Majeure,” “Goodbye to Language,” “Hannah Arendt,” “Haute Cuisine,” “The Night Is Young,” and “Trial”!
[57:20 – 1:10:50]
Closing Segment: Predicting the upcoming Oscar nominations! Will “Foxcatcher” go the way of “The Master”? Will Amy Adams make it six nominations in nine years? Will Cal have to see “The Judge”?
[1:10:55 – 1:27:15]
The Isaac Range
Outro Music: Beck, “Devil’s Haircut”
Episode 126: The Volumes of Proust [St. Vincent; Black Sea; Penguins of Madagascar]
Episode 126: The Volumes of Proust
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It’s Episode 126 of In the Mood for Podcast, a British-based film podcast hosted by Calum Reed of Ultimate Addict and Pete Sheppard of In the Mood for Blog.
This week is a boozy one, as Pete managed to finish a six-pack during the recording, but we still manage to talk fairly eloquently about the week’s releases, which include seaboard thriller “Black Sea” and animated spin-off “Penguins of Madagascar.” We also had quite a lot to say about intergenerational connection, as “St. Vincent” tugs at the heartstrings, while the decidedly less wholesome “Eastern Boys” leads to a Joe Wright rant and a discussion about relationships that is alarmingly close to the bone. The latest edition of the Red Light District offers a lot of positivity, as we discuss of one of Israel’s finest efforts, an unexpectedly amusing romantic comedy, and a gay Brazilian romance, while we also chat about the latest critics’ awards, which look to be heading for a “Boyhood” sweep. Kathleen Byron instigates a quickfire celebration of legendary Supporting Actress performances, Naomi Watts’ Russian chatter leaves us a bit bewildered, and Pete risks the wrath of his father by revealing a whisky faux-pas that would have connoisseurs recoiling in horror.
The Week’s News:
- Los Angeles Film Critics Association winners
- Boston Society of Film Critics winners
- British Independent Film Award winners
[3:15 – 12:55]
Red Light District: Featuring discussion of “Belle,” “I Origins,” “Just Married,” “Late Marriage,” “Maleficent,” “The Meaning of Life,” “Nick + Norah’s Infinite Playlist,” “The Small Back Room,” and “The Way He Looks”!
[13:00 – 30:40]
Preconception Corner
- Black Sea
- Eastern Boys
- Penguins of Madagascar
- St. Vincent
[37:00 – 1:28:50]
Shag, Marry or Kill?
The Olsen Factor
The Isaac Range
Episode 125: Empty and Chortleless [Paddington; Mockingjay Part I; The Homesman]
Episode 125: Empty and Chortleless
It’s Episode 125 of In the Mood for Podcast, a British-based film podcast hosted by Calum Reed of Ultimate Addict and Pete Sheppard of In the Mood for Blog.
This week we’re catching up for lost time with two weeks’ worth of films, and a ton of news, from the sad demise of Mike Nichols to the influx of awards action, featuring discussion of Marion Cotillard’s Oscar prospects and the underachievement of Edward Norton, while Pete is particularly aghast at the NBR’s fondness for “The Lego Movie.” Reviews this week include our take on podcast favourite Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of James Brown in “Get On Up,” the less-than-popular Hilary Swank in Tommy Lee Jones’ maybe-Western “The Homesman,” and the daunting prospect of Michael Bond’s “Paddington” being adapted for the big screen. Elsewhere, Pete found time to see Antipodean vampire comedy “What We Do In the Shadows,” while Cal was the only one queuing up to see Jennifer Lawrence in the latest instalment of The Hunger Games, “Mockingjay Part I.” Meanwhile, there’s a digression about 2006’s Best Actress Oscar lineup, one of Faye Dunaway’s many camp film roles is celebrated, Kevin Spacey’s private life gets an airing, and Pete is seriously torn between allegiance and detest in anticipation for Jason Reitman’s upcoming film, which stars the one and only Judy Greer.
- The death of Mike Nichols
- Cahiers du Cinema announce their top ten
- New York Film Critics Circle awards
- National Board of Review
[2:20 – 20:10]
Preconception Corner
Reviews of:
- Get On Up
- The Homesman
- The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I
- What We Do in the Shadows
[27:00 – 54:10]
Closing Segment: Our take on quirky children’s tale “Paddington” and discussing our favourite cinematic female villains!
[54:15 – 1:05:55]
The Isaac Range
Outro Music: Lana Del Rey, “Blue Jeans”
Episode 121: The Porky Cheese Story [Fury; Serena; The Babadook]
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It’s Episode 121 of In the Mood for Podcast, a British-based film podcast hosted by Calum Reed of Ultimate Addict and Pete Sheppard of In the Mood for Blog.
We might have been delayed this week, but we’re back with four new releases, including the highly-anticipated horror film “The Babadook,” the trailer of which has been amusing us for weeks. Cal was the only one in the queue for Susanne Bier’s delayed period drama “Serena,” starring everyone’s favourite ballroom duo, while we both caught Bille August’s slow-burning mystery “Night Train to Lisbon,” although Cal saw it over a year ago! We end by discussing World War II drama “Fury,” which leads us onto calamitous film scores and the wonder of Terrence Malick. Elsewhere, we chat about the Best Picture races of 1998 and 1945, the Hibs vs. Celtic debate from our “Under the Skin” review is finally settled, and a listener question forces us to address the temperament of a certain female tennis player. We discuss why it doesn’t pay to be a fan of Ed Sheeran, Melanie Laurent is plagued with Huston problems, Pete manages to diss Carey Mulligan twice, and a sixty year-old sexpot has the potential to upset Elizabeth Olsen next week.
The Week’s News:
- Stephen Daldry’s “Trash” wins Best Film at the Rome Film Festival
- Harvey Weinstein calls for a change to production credits
- Gotham Film Award nominations are announced
[3:20 – 16:50]
Listener question: Favourite Serena Williams match? [Ibbi]
[16:55 – 22:50]
Preconception Corner
- The Babadook
- Night Train to Lisbon
- Serena
- Fury
[30:25 – 1:09:35]
Shag, Marry or Kill?
The Olsen Factor
The Isaac Range
Episode 119: The Joys of Denim [’71; The Rewrite; London Film Festival]
Episode 119: The Joys of Denim
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It’s Episode 119 of In the Mood for Podcast, a British-based film podcast hosted by Calum Reed of Ultimate Addict and Pete Sheppard of In the Mood for Blog.
To donate to Pete’s half-marathon run, on behalf of the Midlands Arts Centre, follow this link
We’re a little late this week, but we hope it’s worth the wait, as Cal has been to the London Film Festival, bringing news of films by Christian Petzold, Andrei Zvyagintsev, Francois Ozon, and a doozy of a performance by Reese Witherspoon. The week’s reviews consist of IRA thriller “’71,” starring everyone’s favourite young actor, Jack O’Connell, and scriptwriting comedy “The Rewrite,” which was somewhat overshadowed by Marisa Tomei’s jeans. Cal saw Susan Sarandon play Sheriff in religious serial killer drama “The Calling,” which just about escaped the dreaded “F” grade, while we also had time to discuss Stephen Frears’ BFI Fellowship, Lindsay Lohan’s theatre stint, and Michelle Pfeiffer’s history at the Oscars. Elsewhere, we argue about the main concerns of Billy Wilder’s “Sunset Boulevard,” pimp an underseen German exorcist drama, and chat about the eclectic cast of Judd Apatow’s upcoming film, the title of which greatly amuses Pete.
The Week’s News:
- Stephen Frears receives a BFI Fellowship
[5:40 – 14:30]
Opening Segment: Coverage from the London Film Festival, featuring discussion of “Leviathan,” “The New Girlfriend,” “Phoenix,” and “Wild”
[14:35 – 26:45]
Preconception Corner
- ’71
- The Calling
- The Rewrite
[34:50 – 1:04:30]
Shag, Marry or Kill?
The Olsen Factor
The Isaac Range
Episode 117: The Ballad of Pitt & Brit [Maps to the Stars; I Origins; Ida]
Episode 117: The Ballad of Pitt & Brit
It’s Episode 117 of In the Mood for Podcast, a British-based film podcast hosted by Calum Reed of Ultimate Addict and Pete Sheppard of In the Mood for Blog.
This week’s episode is a distinctly non-sober affair, as birthday drinks crippled Cal’s ability to function (he wants you to know that he is fully aware that Joanne Woodward is American), but we managed to get through this week’s busy line-up of films in under ninety minutes. Pete caught Denzel Washington thriller “The Equalizer” and Mike Cahill’s treatise on faith vs. science, “I Origins,” while Cal was in the queue for horror flick “Honeymoon” and had time to rewatch Pawel Pawlikowski’s “Ida.” After that, both of us weigh in on David Cronenberg’s Hollywood satire “Maps to the Stars,” featuring Cannes Best Actress winner Julianne Moore, which leads us into a discussion of women from the past who have received that honour. Elsewhere, banter about pop music shifts from Taylor Swift onto Cheryl Cole, we ponder how long George Clooney’s marriage will last, a Christie Clanger from last week is addressed, and preconceptions for David Fincher’s “Gone Girl” (reviewed next week) get laid bare.
- George Clooney marries in Venice
- Foreign Language Oscar submissions: Russia submit “Leviathan”; Argentina submit “Wild Tales”
- Al Pacino receives a BAFTA Fellowship
[5:10 – 19:15]
- Ida
- The Equalizer
- Honeymoon
- I Origins
[25:00 – 1:00:05]
Closing Segment: Our take on David Cronenberg’s “Maps to the Stars,” and discussing the history of Best Actress winners at the Cannes Film Festival!
[1:00:10 – 1:21:15]
The Isaac Range
Outro Music: Cheryl Cole, “Crazy Stupid Love”
Episode 114: The Paris Clanger [Before I Go To Sleep; Life of Crime; They Came Together]
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It’s Episode 114 of In the Mood for Podcast, a British-based film podcast hosted by Calum Reed of Ultimate Addict and Pete Sheppard of In the Mood for Blog.
This week’s episode is a tale of two halves, as Irini M. joins us once again, having spent the past week or so trawling across the lido of Venice. She brings us extensive coverage of the film festival, reviewing most of the competition line-up, and dishing her verdict on (among other things) why Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s “Birdman” left Italy empty-handed, and why Kim Ki-Duk’s filmmaking style is getting rather insufferable. Eventually we get to reviewing new releases, with Nicole Kidman’s new amnesiac thriller “Before I Go To Sleep” leaving us with head-scratching thoughts on the film’s title, and even more perplexing notions about its logic. We’re also on board for the sequel to Nicholas McCarthy’s promising “The Pact,” worryingly left in the hands of new directors, while Cal reviews David Wain’s romantic comedy pastiche “We Came Together,” and we tackle Elmore Leonard adaptation “Life of Crime. Listen for our theories on why Kirsten Dunst won Best Actress at Cannes, which former feline-loving Oscar winner Al Pacino may be slyly mocking, which British singer forces Pete to recoil in horror, and what this week’s Christie clanger has to do with Paris Hilton’s wardrobe.
The Week’s News
Opening Segment: Discussing the prizes awarded at this year’s Venice Film Festival, plus guest Irini M. provides coverage of many other films which played at the festival, including “Birdman,” “3 Hearts,” “Manglehorn,” “Red Amnesia,” and “She’s Funny That Way”
[4:35 – 40:40]
Preconception Corner
- The Pact II
- Life of Crime
- They Came Together
- Before I Go To Sleep
[47:20 – 1:23:50]
Shag, Marry or Kill?
The Olsen Factor
The Isaac Range
Episode 113: The Eight Year Drought [Night Moves; The Rover; Obvious Child]
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It’s Episode 113 of In the Mood for Podcast, a British-based film podcast hosted by Calum Reed of Ultimate Addict and Pete Sheppard of In the Mood for Blog.
This week we begin by discussing the recently-announced recipients of this year’s Honorary Oscars, which leads us to several Oscar-related issues of the past, including the 1937 Best Actress race and the much-maligned Best Picture winner of 1941. Masculinity is alive and well, as Guy Pearce exercises badass tendencies in David Michod’s “The Rover,” which, thankfully for Pete, Jacki Weaver was absent from, while the talent on show in Scandinavian crime drama “The Keeper of Lost Causes” had Cal clamouring for more. By contrast, there are reviews of two films from female directors, with Gillian Robespierre’s indie comedy “Obvious Child” tackling the tricky subject of abortion, and Kelly Reichardt’s “Night Moves” deconstructing the folly of environmental activism. Pete walked out of the latter at Venice and did not turn back, but tune in to find out whether he managed to finish it at the second time of asking. Meanwhile, Cal has much to say about the sexual politics in John Slattery’s “God’s Pocket,” Pete dictates when co-incidences in film scripts are acceptable, and we bitch about a particularly unwelcome trend in world cinema. Elsewhere, Cal is baffled by a bizarre Robert Pattinson car sing-a-long, there’s a rare shout-out for a former co-star of Dakota Fanning, and there is some serious trepidation in advance of next week’s trashy-looking Rowan Joffe thriller.
- The Academy announces the recipients of this year’s honorary Oscars
[3:10 – 13:50]
- Night Moves
- Obvious Child
- The Keeper of Lost Causes
- God’s Pocket
[25:35 – 1:04:00]
Closing Segment: Our take on David Michod’s revenge thriller “The Rover,” starring Guy Pearce and Robert Pattinson!
[1:04:05 – 1:17:50]
The Isaac Range
Outro Music: Keri Hilson, “Pretty Girl Rock”
Episode 105: The Twin Peakes [Chef; Arthur & Mike; Run & Jump]
Episode 105: The Twin Peakes
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It’s Episode 105 of In the Mood for Podcast, a British-based film podcast hosted by Calum Reed of Ultimate Addict and Pete Sheppard of In the Mood for Blog.
With the Summer release schedule awash with unappealing blockbusters and unobtainable world cinema, we’re left with three small dramas to review for you this week. Understated Irish film “Run & Jump” has us singing the praises of one actor in particular, while Cal’s usual appreciation for Emily Blunt’s chemistry is challenged in “Arthur & Mike,” a chronicle of identity crisis which also stars Cal’s neighbour Colin Firth. It’s going to be a job for Pete to overcome the troubling preconceptions he has for Jon Favreau’s “Chef,” (including about the man himself) but will the film’s culinary delights and road trip format win us over? Meanwhile, there’s a ton of news, including two deaths, a controversial interview with a former Oscar nominee, and a discussion of the latest crop of cinematic “talent” invited to join AMPAS. Listen as we encounter digressions involving debut performances of the 1950s, the many virtues of Eric Stoltz, Barbra Streisand’s vanity, and a hysterical pitch for a sequel to a Juliette Binoche film.
The week’s news:
- Cal watched “Calvary”
- The death of Eli Wallach
- The death of Paul Mazursky
- Gary Oldman’s Playboy interview
- AMPAS invites new members
[1:50 – 22:05]
Preconception Corner
- Run & Jump
- Arthur & Mike
[29:30 – 50:10]
Closing Segment: Our take on Jon Favreau’s “Chef,” discussing films about food, and some other random asides!
[50:15 – 1:05:50]
The Isaac Range
Outro Music: Aphex Twin, “Avril 14th”
Episode 102: Dial M for Mayday [Grace of Monaco; 22 Jump Street; Venus in Fur]
Episode 102: Dial M for Mayday
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It’s Episode 102 of In the Mood for Podcast, a British-based film podcast hosted by Calum Reed of Ultimate Addict and Pete Sheppard of In the Mood for Blog.
This week fears of a Greek backlash bubble to the surface, as we review friend of the podcast Irini’s favourite film of last year, Roman Polanski’s “Venus in Fur,” touching on the prowess of an older, fishnet-less Emmanuelle Seigner. Meanwhile, Cal was the only one in the queue for buddy cop sequel “22 Jump Street,” and creepy cult horror “The Sacrament,” while Pete caught Cal off-guard at the last minute with a surprise review that absolutely nobody was expecting. Find out whether this podcast is kinder to Olivier Dahan’s “Grace of Monaco” than most critics have been thus far, and listen to us discuss the ups and downs of Grace Kelly’s short-lived film career, including her generally-disliked Best Actress Oscar win. Elsewhere, we float potential nicknames for Channing Tatum, anticipation for an upcoming Richard Linklater film is at fever pitch, while there’s yet more concern voiced for Shailene Woodley (and a distinct lack of medical knowledge) as her new cancer flick edges perilously closer.
The week’s news:
- The death of Rik Mayall
Preconception Corner
- Venus in Fur
- 22 Jump Street
- A Million Ways to Die in the West
- The Sacrament
[16:35 – 52:35]
Closing Segment: Our take on Olivier Dahan’s critically-savaged “Grace of Monaco,” and discussing the career of the one and only Grace Kelly!
[52:40 – 1:26:05]
The Isaac Range
Outro Music: Sia, “Breathe Me”
Episode 84: Race to the Finish [Inside Llewyn Davis; August: Osage County; The Missing Picture]
Episode 84: Race to the Finish
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It’s Episode 84 of In the Mood for Podcast, a British-based film podcast hosted by Calum Reed of Ultimate Addict and Pete Sheppard of In the Mood for Blog.
This week’s episode is our shortest yet, as Pete seized the opportunity to cut the podcast at its knees in the final fleeting minutes. We didn’t quite manage to get it under an hour, but our reviews of starry ensemble drama “August:Osage County” and dour folk-scene tale “Inside Llewyn Davis” are concise enough. We discuss lesser known Oscar-nominated films “The Missing Picture” and “Cutie and the Boxer,” and ponder the Cold War charms of Kenneth Branagh’s “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit.” Pete pines for the presence of Lena Endre in one of this week’s movies, while we also chat about the politics behind foreign, animated, and documentary crossover movies, and 2013’s highs in cinematography.
The Week’s News:
- “Grace of Monaco” to open Cannes Film Festival, but which cut?
- Lindsay Lohan announces her latest project
- Alfonso Cuaron wins the Directors Guild Award
[2:25 – 8:15]
Preconception Corner
- August: Osage County
- Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit
- Cutie and the Boxer
- The Missing Picture
[14:50 – 43:30]
Closing Segment: Our take on the Coen brothers’ “Inside Llewyn Davis,” and our favourite fictional musicians on film!
[43:35 – 57:20]
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: Go West, “King of Wishful Thinking”
Episode 82: This Mortal Coil [12 Years a Slave; The Railway Man; Delivery Man]
Episode 82: This Mortal Coil
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It’s Episode 82 of In the Mood for Podcast, a British-based film podcast hosted by Calum Reed of Ultimate Addict and Pete Sheppard of In the Mood for Blog.
For once we’re getting serious, as the week’s offerings force us into discussions of torture, abortion, and slavery. The tears flowed for both of us (albeit in different films), so listen as we review wartime drama “The Railway Man,” moral dilemma documentary “After Tiller,” and awards juggernaut “12 Years a Slave.” It’s not all depression though, as Petedishes all on Vince Vaughn vehicle “Delivery Man,” while we discuss the weekend’s Golden Globe winners and look ahead to the upcoming Oscar nominations. Tune in for asides involving nomination indiscretions and 2004’s Best Actor race, find out why Pete needs a mocha before reviewing one of the week’s films, and the ranking of Paul Dano’s many crimes against humanity.
The Week’s News:
- Berlin Film Festival Jury is Announced
- BAFTA member criticises nominations
- Golden Globe winners (plus listener question from NW6 film!)
[4:35 – 17:30]
Preconception Corner
- The Railway Man
- Delivery Man
- After Tiller
[24:15 – 47:00]
Closing Segment: Our take on Steve McQueen’s “12 Years a Slave,” plus speculation on this week’s Oscar nominations!
[47:10 – 1:17:50]
The Poupaud Range
Episode 80: The Tale of the Two Redheads [American Hustle; Walter Mitty; All Is Lost]
Episode 80: The Tale of the Two Redheads
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It’s Episode 80 of In the Mood for Podcast, a British-based film podcast hosted by Calum Reed of Ultimate Addict and Pete Sheppard of In the Mood for Blog.
This week’s episode is dominated by Amy Adams, whose plunging necklines in “American Hustle” ruffled Pete’s feathers, but did we both think her strangely-accented performance was up to scratch? After Pete dismantled the plot mechanics of Alfonso Cuaron’s “Gravity,” seaboard adventure “All Is Lost” is the latest solo star vehicle to face the podcast’s scrutiny, while a parody of a certain film in “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” had us both on the floor. Elsewhere, we discuss the regular topic of the Foreign Language Film Oscar, in the wake of the recently announced shortlist, and reveal films from world cinema that are technically eligible for bigger prizes. We’re giving our brief thoughts on the year in film before our top ten lists are announced next month, plus there are extensive thoughts on the severity of Jennifer Lawrence’s Oscar-tipped performance, and some choice words about Robert Redford’s vanity.
Opening Segment: Discussing the nine-film shortlist for the Foreign Language Oscar, general observations about Foreign Films’ troubles with eligibility, and which under-seen films are Oscar eligible this year!
[2:55 – 19:40]
Preconception Corner
- All Is Lost
- The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
[26:15 – 48:15]
Closing Segment: Our take on David O. Russell’s “American Hustle,” discussing 2013 films we’ve been catching up on, and our overall view of the cinematic year!
[48:20 – 1:10:30]
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: Taylor Swift, “Red”
Episode 73: Smooth Digressions [Philomena; Enough Said; Turbo]
Episode 73: Smooth Digressions
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It’s Episode 73 of In the Mood for Podcast, a British-based film podcast hosted by Calum Reed of Ultimate Addict and Pete Sheppard of In the Mood for Blog.
We’ve got plenty of material for you this week, as we bring you five films, a healthy news segment, and an epic Preconception Corner. Having already achieved the Sheppard seal of approval, Cal caught up with Stephen Frears’ “Philomena,” plus we tackle the Romanian Oscar hopeful “Child’s Pose,” and well-received animated film “Turbo.” As Awards Season hots up, we assess where the finalists for the Best Animated Feature Oscar all stand, and look at the nominees for France’s distinguished Louis Delluc prize. There’s a mini faux-pas regarding James Gandolfini during this week’s review of “Enough Said,” while only one of us managed to sit through all of booze-filled comedy “Drinking Buddies.” Listen to hear which former Oscar nominee’s family member contacted Cal this week, which sitcom scarred Pete’s early cinema-going days, and how anticipation of cartoon snails somehow evolves into a rant about a certain British radio station. You couldn’t make it up.
The Week’s News:
- Wes Anderson’s “The Grand Budapest Hotel” will open next year’s Berlin Film Festival
- “Renoir” snubbed by the Louis Delluc Prize committee
- Pete’s going to another film festival
- Cal has a story about a former Oscar nominee
[2:30 – 15:40]
*Preconception Corner*
Reviews of:
- Philomena*
- Enough Said*
- Child’s Pose
- Drinking Buddies
[25:00 – 1:02:00]
*Listener questions are addressed at the end of each review
Closing Segment: Our take on Dreamworks’ “Turbo” plus a discussion of the finalised list of entries for the Animated Feature Oscar, and an analysis of the race! [1:02:15 – 1:20:25]
The Watson Factor
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: Santana feat. Rob Thomas, “Smooth”
Episode 59: Car Crashes in Black & White [Frances Ha; Blancanieves; The Internship]
Episode 59: Car Crashes in Black & White
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It’s Episode 59 of In the Mood for Podcast, a British-based film podcast hosted by Calum Reed of Ultimate Addict and Pete Sheppard of In the Mood for Blog.
We’re going retro with this week’s podcast, as we discuss the otherworldly prowess of Rita Hayworth in 1946 noir “Gilda,” which Pete caught recently in all of its digitally restored glory. We also discuss two films deliberately harking back to the good old days, with silent fairy-tale “Blancanieves” facing off against Noah Baumbach’s “Manhattan” wannabe, “Frances Ha.” We both snubbed hairly Hugh Jackman in “The Wolverine,” Pete opting for French biographical drama “Renoir” and Cal badly in need of light relief in the form of “The Internship.” We take time out to discuss the lineup of this year’s Venice Film Festival, which Pete will be attending, while Cal is perturbed by the loss of a super comedic actress. Listen for digressions involving Miley Cyrus, Rose Byrne’s portrayal of blindness, and a distasteful slur on Greta Gerwig which caused Cal to label Pete “below the belt.”
Opening Segment: The week’s news, featuring three major deaths in the world of sport, TV, and film, and discussing this year’s Venice Film Festival lineup, featuring work from Stephen Frears, Terry Gilliam, and Kelly Reichardt! [1:30 – 17:20]
*Preconception Corner*
Reviews of:
- Blancanieves
- The Internship
- Renoir
- Gilda (re-release)
[26:20 – 1:04:50]
Closing Segment: Our take on Noah Baumbach’s “Frances Ha,” Shag Marry or Kill, and discussing director/actor partnerships between real life partners! [1:04:55 – 1:19:25]
*The Watson Factor*
*The Poupaud Range*
Outro Music: Mika, “Grace Kelly”