Episode 140: The Birthday Quintet [Insurgent; The Gunman; The Voices]
It’s Episode 140 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 Sean Penn’s brawn in the critically-derided “The Gunman” and Ryan Reynolds’ form in the flat-out weird horror comedy “The Voices,” while the return of Shailene Woodley in Robert Schwentke’s “Insurgent” brings excitement (as does the surprise appearance of Naomi Watts), but did the Divergent sequel live up to the promise of its predecessor? Elsewhere, in the wake of the release of “Mommy” we take the opportunity to discuss the career of Xavier Dolan (leading to a Greek peace offering), we discuss the crowded Best Actor field of 2007, one of this week’s performers prompts a resurrection of the “best actress under thirty” debate, and Pete has taken to social media with his frustration at radio airplay.
Preconception Corner
A Conversation on Xavier Dolan: Discussing the filmmaker’s work thus far, in the wake of this week’s release of “Mommy”
[15:25 – 25:12]
Reviews of:
- The Gunman 25:13 – 33:30
- The Voices 33:31 – 42:06
- Insurgent 42:07 – 58:08
Shag, Marry or Kill?
The Pootsition
The Garrett Gauge
Episode 68: Taking No Prisoners [Prisoners; Blue Jasmine; Runner Runner]
Episode 68: Taking No Prisoners
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It’s Episode 68 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 talking “Prisoners” but not taking any, as Denis Villeneuve’s first foray into the studio system leaves at least one of us distinctly unimpressed. Pete interrupts Cal’s plot run-down of the film with his best Paul Dano impression, while we dig into the hilarity of Melissa Leo, and cite the worst performances from actors in every film this week. Elsewhere, Pete gives his take on Italy’s official Oscar submission “The Great Beauty,” which features some interesting pubic design work, and Cal responds to Pete’s abandonment of Gemma Arterton by braving Latin-set thriller “Runner Runner.” We spend ages talking about Cate Blanchett’s Oscar-tipped turn in “Blue Jasmine,” and ponder Sally Hawkins’ chances of finally getting that overdue nod. How this didn’t turn into a bitching session about 2008’s Best Actress line-up is anyone’s guess.
The Week’s News:
- Bennett Miller’s “Foxcatcher” pushed to 2014
- Foreign Language Oscar submissions: Egypt submit “Winter of Discontent”; Denmark submit “The Hunt”; Iran submit “The Past,” Cambodia submit “The Missing Picture”; Israel submit “Bethlehem”; Italy submit “The Great Beauty”
[2:20 – 14:50]
Reviews of:
- The Great Beauty
- Blue Jasmine
- Runner Runner
[22:20 – 53:00]
Closing Segment: Our take on Denis Villeneuve’s sobering drama “Prisoners,” and discussing our least favourite performances from this week’s crop of actors! [53:05 – 1:12:25]
The Watson Factor
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: Blondie, “Denis”
Episode 52: Finding Our Voice [Byzantium; The Purge; Populaire]
EPISODE 52: Finding Our Voice
[1:24:35]
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It’s Episode 52 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.
You’ll need to forgive us this week, but we’re a little late to the party. Pete is a very weary traveller having just returned from Nice, but we’re on top form with our discussions of this week’s bevy of releases. We start off with a little news and discussion of our compilation episode, before Cal launches into a colourful review of “Byzantium,” and divulges the somewhat welcome left-wing politics in “The Purge.” “The Big Wedding” left us so bemused and bewildered that our review turns into a barnstorming takedown, and then we dish all on frothy comedy “Populaire,” which we’ve been anticipating for some time. Listen for digressions about “Vertigo,” Oscar’s Best Actor politics, and Pete’s semi-faux pas regarding Gemma Arterton, which barely made the final cut.
Opening Segment: Discussing our compilation episode and the week’s film news [1:50 – 10:40]
*Preconception Corner*
Reviews of:
- Byzantium
- The Big Wedding
- The Purge
- Populaire
[17:40 – 1:01:05]
Closing Segment: This month’s Red Light District! We pimp “10 Years,” “Compulsion,” “The Guard,” “House of Pleasures,” and “Rashomon” [1:01:10 – 1:15:20]
*Shag, Marry or Kill?*
*The Watson Factor*
*The Poupaud Range*
Outro Music: New Order, “Ceremony”
In the Mood for Podcast 
