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 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 126: The Volumes of Proust [St. Vincent; Black Sea; Penguins of Madagascar]
Episode 126: The Volumes of Proust
(Right click… save as)
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 60: Sobriety Is a Virtue [The Conjuring; The Heat; Only God Forgives]
Episode 60: Sobriety Is a Virtue
(Right click… save as)
It’s Episode 60 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.
A peroni-less podcast sees Pete on his best behaviour when confronted with a listener question that dares to approach the subject of Keira Knightley (see, we will answer questions about literally anything!) and when forced to tackle “Paris-Manhattan,” a French love letter to Woody Allen. Cal shows less resistance when he reviews “Only God Forgives,” before we unite for reviews of the week’s Hollywood fare, buddy-cop comedy “The Heat,” star-studded action sequel “Red 2,” and spooky box-office smash “The Conjuring.” We’ve also got this week’s Red Light District, which handily ties into Joe Wright’s filmography, and part one of our 2009 Venice retrospective, featuring comment on “I Am Love” and “White Material,” among others. Tune in to find out which country Pete is jetting off to this week, which film’s marketing annoys Cal, and whether Kristin Scott-Thomas’s embodiment of a famous fashion personality bests Helen Mirren’s channeling of Bette Davis. It’s diva overload!
The Week’s News
Listener Question: Is Keira Knightley the Queen of period films? [Zed] [8:15 – 13:00]
Opening Segment: This month’s Red Light District (pimped films include “Letter Never Sent” and “Romancing in Thin Air”) and part one of our 2009 Venice Diaries! [13:05 – 32:30]
*Preconception Corner*
Reviews of:
- The Conjuring
- Red 2
- Paris-Manhattan
- Only God Forgives
[37:45 – 1:04:05]
Closing Segment: Our take on Paul Feig’s feminist comedy “The Heat,” and discussing memorable buddy/cop movies! [1:04:10 – 1:16:50]
The Watson Factor
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: Holly Valance, “Down Boy”
Episode 42: Caged Animals [Jack the Giant Slayer; The Croods; Stolen]
EPISODE 42: Caged Animals
[1:20:58]
You can Listen online or
Download MP3
(Right click… save as)
It’s Episode 42 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 take the opportunity to discuss all things Nicholas Cage, with the release of two of his films, the silly action thriller “Stolen,” and the prehistoric animated adventure “The Croods.” Cal sat through Ray of Light supremo Jonas Akerlund’s “Small Apartments” while his veto of “Identity Thief” meant that Pete was all alone with Melissa McCarthy, a terrifying thought in itself. And then we get onto “Compliance,” which may be the biggest casualty of ‘In the Mood’ vitriol since “The Lorax,” and proves that the fast food industry can indeed get more repulsive. A budget reveal of “Jack the Giant Slayer” knocks us for six, while we consider the fate of the once-great Bryan Singer, and the potential disaster brought on by his film’s final scene. Fee Fi Fo Fum! We smell the blood of a sequel!
Opening Segment: A quick chat about Nicholas Cage’s contribution to cinema, in which we disclose our favourite performances and films of his! [4:00 – 14:10]
*Preconception Corner*
Reviews of:
- “Stolen”
- “The Croods”
- “Identity Thief”
- “Small Apartments”
- “Compliance”
[19:35 – 1:00:05]
Closing Segment: Our take on Bryan Singer’s “Jack the Giant Slayer” and discussing directors who have not lived up to the success of their first feature! [1:00:10 – 1:12:45]
*Shag, Marry or Kill?*
*The Watson Factor*
*The Poupaud Range*
Outro Music: Kate Bush, “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)”
Episode 41: Beyond the Surface [Burt Wonderstone; The Paperboy; Welcome to the Punch]
EPISODE 41: Beyond the Surface
[1:20:23]
You can Listen online or
Download MP3
(Right click… save as)
It’s Episode 41 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 highlight of a quiet week at the cinema is Lee Daniels’ “The Paperboy,” but will he finally impress us “Precious” skeptics with his Florida-set thriller? We discuss the controversy of that jellyfish scene, as well as other films that kicked up a fuss, for one reason or another. The rest of the releases include showbiz comedy “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone” and British thriller “Welcome to the Punch.” We’re looking ahead to the next few episodes by dishing our thoughts on trailers for films out in the next month or so, including Seth Gordon’s “Identity Thief,” which one of us has already vetoed. Cal promotes a re-release of Joseph Losey’s “The Servant,” while his unflattering review of “Beyond the Hills” is hijacked by Pete’s desire to turn it into a Catholic-style remake of “Wreck-It Ralph.” Just another week, then…
Opening Segment: A trailer round-up, featuring upcoming releases “Trance,” “Spring Breakers,” “The Host,” “Identity Thief,” “Jack the Giant Slayer,” “Dark Skies,” and “Look of Love” [4:55 – 19:55]
*Preconception Corner*
Reviews of:
- “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone”
- “Welcome to the Punch”
- “Beyond the Hills”
- “The Servant” (50th anniversary re-release)
[24:30 – 53:45]
Closing Segment: Our take on Lee Daniels’ controversial “The Paperboy,” and discussing past controversies in cinema [53:50 – 1:10:35]
*Shag, Marry or Kill?*
*The Watson Factor*
*The Poupaud Range*
Outro Music: Heart, “Crazy On You”