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 146: Wasted Heartbeats [Mad Max: Fury Road; Pitch Perfect 2; The Age of Adaline]
It’s Episode 146 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 back, with some post-election blues, but there are a host of birthdays from the world of cinema to celebrate, leading to digressions about the work of Richard Brooks and Frank Capra. In the wake of the on-going we take time out to discuss the conversely different reviews for Todd Haynes’ and Gus Van Sant’s new films, plus there is (already) news of the next jury president at the Venice Film Festival. As for the reviews, Cal caught up with Chris Rock’s semi-autobiographical romance, “Top Five,” and the sequel to the popular acapella tale “Pitch Perfect,” while we both saw the trailblazing “Mad Max: Fury Road” and Blake Lively’s stab at Benjamin Button, “The Age of Adaline.” Elsewhere, Christopher Doyle’s words of wisdom infiltrate their way into this week’s critiques, we lament the demise of Thora Birch’s career, there’s a rant concerning one of Charlize Theron’s upcoming projects, and Pete’s culinary limitations as a bachelor are laid bare.
The week’s news: Discussing some interesting birthdays in the world of film, and the buzz from the on-going Cannes Film Festival!
[3:10 – 17:50]
Preconception Corner
Reviews of:
- Pitch Perfect 2 27:53 – 36:19
- The Age of Adaline 36:20 – 47:02
- Top Five 47:03 – 56:07
- Mad Max: Fury Road 56:08 – 1:10:03
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 124: The Gay in Engaging [The Imitation Game; The Drop; Life Itself]
It’s Episode 124 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 beer is flowing, and so is the innuendo, as Pete finally has the keys to his brand new house. This forces Cal into a distillation of jukebox classics, before we review the new releases, which include Michael Roskam’s “The Drop” and Roger Ebert documentary “Life Itself,” which prompts Pete to recite some of Roger Ebert’s more baffling reviews. In the wake of Alan Turing biopic “The Imitation Game” we get chatting about our favourite gay characters and icons of cinema, featuring discussion of Oscar Wilde and Billie Holiday, while Cal discloses some of the recent films he’s caught up with from earlier in the year, including a horror film about an urban archaeologist. A hefty news segment sees us discuss Angelina Jolie’s adoption of Derbyshire dialect, plus Eddie Redmayne’s fuckability sees a boost, and Fashion Police finally found a replacement for Joan Rivers. Elsewhere, the cast of Downton Abbey are out in force this week, Cal is feeling guilty for leaving Matthias Schoenaerts in the lurch, we float the possibility of a Tallulah Bankhead biopic starring Cate Blanchett, and Pete recounts a regretful dancefloor moment set to the music of Vanilla Ice.
- Chris Hemsworth voted People Magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive”
- Angelina Jolie’s Derby Moment
- Kathy Griffin announced as Joan Rivers’ replacement on Fashion Police
- The trailer for Kenneth Branagh’s “Cinderella” is out
[4:15 – 23:10]
Reviews of:
- The Drop
- Life Itself
[30:25 – 52:15]
Closing Segment: Our take on Oscar-tipped Alan Turing biopic “The Imitation Game,” and discussing LGBT heroes of the film world!
[52:20 – 1:13:00]
The Isaac Range
Outro Music: This Mortal Coil, “Holocaust”
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 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 88: The Cheese Connection [Oscar Predictions; The Lego Movie; Only Lovers Left Alive]
Episode 88: The Cheese Connection
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It’s Episode 88 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.
In this week’s episode we deviate between the worlds of arthouse and animation, as we review critical cartoon hits “The Lego Movie” and “Mr. Peabody & Sherman,” gay murder mystery drama “Stranger By the Lake” and moody vampire tale “Only Lovers Left Alive,” but was everything awesome on all fronts? And then we launch into some Oscar predictions in 21 of the 24 categories, discussing if the year might echo 1972’s Godfather vs. Cabaret tussle, and whether justice can prevail in the Supporting Actress race. We ponder whether anyone will remember what Tilda Swinton won her Oscar for, why Pink might be the hottest colour at the ceremony, Tom Ford’s idealisation of street corners, and the revelation that dwarf-throwing is still prevalent in modern society. Pete’s Dad also makes a brief cameo, although he didn’t get a chance to enlighten us on the virtues of Lindsay Lohan and Dolly Parton.
The Week’s News:
- The death of Harold Ramis
- Performers announced for the Oscars
- Zhang Yimou to helm first English language film
[2:20 – 8:10]
Preconception Corner
- The Lego Movie
- Mr. Peabody & Sherman
- Stranger By the Lake
- Only Lovers Left Alive
[15:05 – 48:55]
Closing Segment: Our predictions for this year’s Academy Awards!
[49:00 – 1:10:30]
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: Rihanna, “Russian Roulette”
Episode 86: Rue De Simple [Her; Bastards; An Oversimplification Of Her Beauty]
Episode 86: Rue De Simple
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It’s Episode 86 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.
Pete finally got his wish, as our latest episode sneaks in under the hour mark, with just three films featured this week. Nevertheless, we get into fairly meaty discussions about Claire Denis’s sexually-charged “Bastards” and Terence Nance’s incredibly personal documentary “An Oversimplification Of Her Beauty,” which had both of us rather perplexed. Pete was counting on Spike Jonze’s “Her” to be the saviour of 2013’s cinematic worth, but did either or both of us get past that dead cat phone-sex convo? An odd opening news segment leads to the pimping of an underseen world cinema classic, some rare positive words about Clint Eastwood, and a chat about the spectrum of quality in Hitchcock remakes, while we lament the fall from grace of a famous child actor, discuss the President of France’s bit on the side, and ponder the beastly attributes of a certain French actor.
The Week’s News:
- The death of Gabriel Axel
- Tina Fey and Amy Poehler to host next year’s Golden Globes
- Clint Eastwood is a real-life hero
- Channing Tatum is writing “Magic Mike 2”
- Shia LaBoeuf wears paper bag to premiere of “Nymphomaniac” at Berlin; echoes Eric Cantona
[2:40 – 10:40]
Preconception Corner
- Bastards
- An Oversimplification Of Her Beauty
- Her
[15:25 – 51:15]
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: Terrorvision, “Perseverance”
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 76: The Threesome [The Family; Parkland; Short Term 12] with Special Guest Irini M.
Episode 76: The Threesome
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It’s Episode 76 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.
In this week’s episode we’re joined by special guest and friend of the podcast Irini Markogiannaki, who helps us discuss the new releases at UK cinemas and chimes in with thoughts on eventful news items from the past few days. Some minor audio issues should mostly have been ironed out in the editing process, so you can enjoy our reviews of Luc Besson’s mafia comedy “The Family,” and Peter Landesman’s JFK assassination movie “Parkland” in relatively audible splendour. Cal and Irini reveal whether indie critics darling “Short Term 12” lives up to the hype, and there are verdicts on angst-ridden baby swap drama “Like Father Like Son” and black and white mumblecore offering “Computer Chess.” We ponder Leeds Film Festival’s audience favourites, conduct a rather epic
The Week’s News:
- 50th anniversary episode of Doctor Who airs
- The first explicit trailer for Lars Von Trier’s “Nymphomaniac” is released
- Jason Statham calls for an Oscar to be introduced for stuntmen
- Leeds Film Festival reveals its top 20 audience favourites
[2:10 – 24:15]
Preconception Corner
Reviews of:
- Parkland
- Short Term 12
- Like Father, Like Son
- Computer Chess
- The Family
[34:15 – 1:13:10]
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: Cat Power, “The Greatest”
Episode 74: The Single Life [Gravity; Gloria; The Nun]
Episode 74: The Single Life
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It’s Episode 74 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 episode sees the belated return of the Red Light District, after it had to be excised from last week’s epic 100+-minute recording. Cal is the only one bringing glad tidings, with discussion of a Coen brothers classic, and a semi-positive take on one of Nicholas Cage’s stranger efforts. It’s the week of the singletons, as we caught up with Paulina Garcia’s free-spirited “Gloria,” while Sandra Bullock finds herself alone and stranded in awards juggernaut “Gravity.” It’s safe to say that one of us was rather unimpressed by the space-set adventure, which prompts a brief discussion on films that failed to convince us, including an Ashton Kutcher vehicle and a recent sci-fi hit. Pete’s back from the Leeds Film Festival having seen Serbia’s submission for the Foreign Language Film Oscar, “Circles,” and a concert marred by technical debacles. Listen as we discuss the year’s latest batch of nominations, Isabelle Huppert’s lustful imposition, and Pete’s lament over the lack of viable romantic options among women over thirty. Violins at the ready!
The Week’s News:
- Lynne Ramsay is being sued by the producers of “Jane Got a Gun”
- Judi Dench and Harvey Weinstein fight the MPAA
- European Film Award nominations are announced
- British Independent Film Award nominations are announced
[3:35 – 20:55]
Opening Segment: This month’s Red Light District, featuring comment on “Blood Simple,” “Knowing,” and “Mouchette”
Preconception Corner*
Reviews of:
- Gloria
- Circles
- The Nun
[36:40 – 1:04:55]
Closing Segment: Our take on Alfonso Cuaron’s “Gravity,” and discussing films we struggle to find convincing! [1:05:00 – 1:22:10]
The Watson Factor
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: Ugo Tozzi, “Gloria”
Episode 66: Fast and Loose [Rush; White House Down; Ain’t Them Bodies Saints]
Episode 66: Fast and Loose
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It’s Episode 66 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.
The Week’s News:
- Foreign Language Oscar submissions from Saudia Arabia, The Netherlands, and Australia
- Woody Allen to receive the Cecil B. DeMille award at this year’s Golden Globes
- “12 Years a Slave” wins the People’s Choice award at the Toronto Film Festival
- “The Butler” passes $100m in domestic box-office
- The first teaser trailer is released for “Grace of Monaco”
[1:40 – 15:10]
Listener Request: Discussing Venice’s 70th anniversary short films project [Irini] [15:15 – 20:05]
Reviews of:
- Ain’t Them Bodies Saints
- White House Down
- The Artist and the Model
[26:35 – 54:35]
Closing Segment: Our take on Ron Howard’s “Rush,” dissecting its Oscar chances, and discussing our favourite cinematic playboys [54:45 – 1:12:35]
The Watson Factor
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: Kelis, “Caught Out There”
Episode 38: Collaboration & Couture [Oscar Reaction; Cloud Atlas; Mama]
EPISODE 38: Collaboration & Couture
[1:22:39]
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It’s Episode 38 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 finally put awards chat to bed (any bets on when that vow will end?!) when we discuss the winners and losers from Sunday’s Academy Awards, and at least one nominee is on show as Jessica Chastain’s foray into Horror, “Mama,” gets the ‘mood for’ treatment. Pete goes it alone with choral cancer flick “Song for Marion,” before we go all world cinema on you with reviews of the Australian “Lore” and the Japanese “I Wish.” We tackle the long, puzzling, and divisive “Cloud Atlas,” and then Pete sinks his teeth into Tarkovsky’s “Andrei Rublev,” which Cal made him watch as a forfeit. Perhaps the moral of this week’s podcast is “patience is a virtue”?
Opening Segment: Our reaction to this year’s Oscars: we discuss the ceremony, the fashion, and of course the winners! [2:00 – 20:15]
*Preconception Corner*
Reviews of:
- “Mama”
- “Song for Marion”
- “Lore“
- “I Wish”
[25:40 – 56:45]
Closing Segment: Discussing the big-budget adaptation of “Cloud Atlas,” directed by Tom Tykwer and the Wachowskis, and offering our favourite projects by collaborative directors [56:50 – 1:10:40]
Bonus Review: Pete dishes all on Andrei Tarkovsky’s “Andrei Rublev,” which Cal made him watch as a forfeit for losing their last Oscar contest [1:10:41 – 1:14:05]
*Shag, Marry or Kill?*
*The Watson Factor*
*The Poupaud Range*
Intro Music: New theme music!
Outro Music: The Deadly Syndrome, “It’s a Mess”