Episode 162: The Absence of Metaphysics [Sicario; Suffragette; The Walk; The Lobster]
It’s Episode 162 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’s stacked roster sees six films reviewed, including controversial feminist drama “Suffragette” and concept horror “Circle,” as well as Cary Fukunaga’s “Beasts of No Nation,” which leads us to a discussion of Netflix and the future of film distribution. Pete would have liked to re-cast Yorgos Lanthimos’ “The Lobster” with favourable enough actors to get him to watch it, but Cal didn’t mind so much, while Denis Villeneuve has to ride some significant preconceptions when we review drug thriller “Sicario.” Elsewhere, colourful hats pose a Huston Problem for Cal, and Robert Zemeckis is the flavour of the week, as Pete reviews “The Walk” and we have a chat about Back to the Future in the wake of its 30th anniversary.
The week’s news: Chris Rock to host the Oscars, plus Cal reviews “Son of Saul” and “Dheepan” from the London Film Festival!
Preconception Corner
Reviews of:
- Beasts of No Nation 22:42 – 31:11
- Suffragette 31:12 – 37:44
- The Walk 37:45 – 45:56
- The Lobster 45:57 – 52:48
- Circle 52:49 – 56:40
- Sicario 56:41 – 1:07:15
Shag, Marry or Kill?
The Pootsition
The Garrett Gauge
Outro Music: Steps, “Deeper Shade of Blue”
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 152: Naked on the Freeway [Terminator: Genisys; Magic Mike XXL; Comet]
Episode 152: Naked on the Freeway
It’s Episode 152 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 turn our attention to two high-profile sequels, as the James Cameron-endorsed “Terminator: Genisys” lit up cinema screens this past week, while Cal was alone for “Magic Mike XXL,” the follow-up to the 2012 stripper hit we famously (if rather predictably) disagreed on. Parallel dimensions are brought out in the Justin Long-Emmy Rossum romance “Comet,” which confused Cal and made a rather negative impression on Pete’s screening partner, plus there’s news from the on-going East End Film Festival. Elsewhere, Dustin Hoffman’s been a bit outspoken, we take some time out to celebrate a milestone for Lena Endre, and Jai Courtney’s abs are under the microscope.
The week’s news:
- The death of Diana Douglas
- “Everest” to open the Venice Film Festival
- Dustin Hoffman attacks Hollywood
- Lena Endre turns sixty
- East End Film Festival round-up: “Containment”; “MLE”; “Norfolk”
Preconception Corner
Reviews of:
- Comet 30:30 – 45:41
- Magic Mike XXL 45:42 – 54:03
- Terminator: Genisys 54:04 – 1:05:50
Shag, Marry or Kill?
The Pootsition
The Garrett Gauge
Episode 151: Duty to Serve [She’s Funny That Way; Minions; The Longest Ride]
It’s Episode 151 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.
As 2015 races on, we’re joined this week by Irini M. to talk about our highlights from the year so far, plus she gives us a recap of her latest successful film viewings in a special edition of the Red Light District. Reviews this week include Roy Andersson’s quirky Golden Lion winner, “A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence,” Mauritanian drama “Timbuktu,” while Cal dishes all on the latest Nicholas Sparks adaptation “The Longest Ride,” paying particular attention to Scott Eastwood. Elsewhere, we sat down for Peter Bogdanovich’s latest screwball emulation “She’s Funny That Way,” and Pete caught the Despicable Me spin-off “Minions,” which it’s fair to say tested his patience. Tune in for an unexpected tirade against Mickey Rooney’s longevity, some love dramas concerning the Stratten family, and the occasional jibe about Greece’s disastrous financial situation.
The week’s news
Red Light District: Irini “pimps” the many films she’s seen lately, featuring discussion of “Ana and the Wolves,” “Gett: The Trial of Vivian Amsalem,” “The Invisible Man,” “Lifeboat,” “Spring,” and much more!
[8:35 – 24:53]
Preconception Corner
Reviews of:
- The Longest Ride 33:20 – 43:52
- Minions 44:53 – 49:44
- A Pigeon Sat… 49:45 – 58:15
- Timbuktu 58:16 – 1:02:07
- She’s Funny That Way 1:02:08 – 1:12:49
Halfway through 2015: Discussing our favourite films and performances from the year so far!
[1:12:50 – 1:26:58]
Shag, Marry or Kill?
The Pootsition
The Garrett Gauge
Outro Music: Black Eyed Peas, “Meet Me Halfway”
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 145: The Two Toms [Far From the Madding Crowd; Unfriended; Elsa + Fred]
It’s Episode 145 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.
Our latest episode is our shortest yet, as connection problems plagued our recording, and this week’s offering of films was fairly minimal. The big question this week is whether negative preconceptions about Thomas Hardy and Thomas Vinterberg respectively, could be conquered when we sat down for period romance “Far From the Madding Crowd”. Elsewhere, we both caught geriatric romance “Elsa + Fred,” starring Shirley MacLaine and Christopher Plummer, while Cal was in the queue for social media horror “Unfriended,” which gets us talking about the value of gimmicks. Plus: a series of listener questions leads to an inquisition into last week’s Pootsition and the advent of a new segment, there are digressions about the strength of 1964’s Best Actress and 2004’s Best Actor fields, and Pete launches an unexpectedly vicious assault on the work of Julian Jarrold.
Listener Questions [Ibbi]
[3:50 – 13:19]
Red Light District: Revealing the non-new films we’ve been catching up with in the past month, featuring discussion of “Dead Ringer,” “Middle of the Night,” The Pirate,” and “Up”
[13:20 – 19:08]
Preconception Corner
Reviews of:
- Elsa + Fred 22:45 – 31:52
- Unfriended 31:53 – 37:40
- Far From the Madding Crowd 37:41 – 47:32
Shag, Marry or Kill?
The Pootsition
The Garrett Gauge
Episode 141: The Sprinkler of Sadness [Cinderella; Get Hard; Seventh Son]
It’s Episode 141 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 reviews include medieval fantasy adventure “Seventh Son,” the latest incarnation of the fairy tale “Cinderella,” and Argentinian Oscar nominee “Wild Tales,” which is courting controversy in the wake of some bad release timing. Elsewhere, we discuss comedy caper “Get Hard,” which already had preconceptions reeling from Tim Robey’s assault on its homophobic tendencies, plus we chat about the horrendous title of Russell Crowe’s upcoming directorial debut feature, and the bizarre nature of Jeff Bridges’ vocal work. Meanwhile, the memory of Marlene Dietrich lives on the attire of one of this week’s performers, Ed Sheeran’s Australian exploits has Pete hoping he’ll stay there, and why is nobody mentioning the Grimm brothers’ glaring plot hole? Cal’s off to New York next week, so we’re taking a fortnight hiatus, but hopefully we’ll return with news of Pete’s first four-star film of the year.
The week’s news
Preconception Corner
Reviews of:
- Seventh Son 17:41 – 29:26
- Get Hard 29:27 – 40:50
- Wild Tales 40:51 – 48:22
- Cinderella 48:23 – 1:00:32
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 136: The Abrupt Apology [Blackhat; Cake; Predestination]
It’s Episode 136 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.
Despite Pete’s efforts toward the contrary, this week’s episode is our longest yet, as we dig into our year-end awards, disclosing more than a little about our favourite films and performances. We also react to this past Sunday’s Academy Awards, measuring “Birdman” up against the Best Picture winners of the past and speculating about how its leading man couldn’t also sail to victory. The week’s reviews include time travel thriller “Predestination,” starring podcast favourite Ethan Hawke, Jennifer Aniston’s failed Oscar bid, “Cake,” and Michael Mann’s latest procedural drama “Blackhat,” which one of us walked out on. Meanwhile, Anna Kendrick is – quite literally – a vision, there’s an appearance from Gloria Gaynor, and Pete has an abrupt apology for one of last week’s performers after omitting her from The Pootsition.
- Kristin Stewart makes history with Cesar win
- Birdman wins the Best Picture Oscar (+ other reaction)
[4:00 – 20:53]
Preconception Corner
Reviews of:
- Blackhat 28:10 – 38:48
- Predestination 38:49 – 46:55
- Cake 46:56 – 1:00:26
Closing Segment: Revealing our top ten films of 2014, and discussing our favourite performances (in quite a bit of depth)!
[1:00:27 – 1:4]
Shag, Marry or Kill?
The Pootsition
The Garrett Gauge
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 128: ‘Tis the Season to be Juli [Still Alice; Big Eyes; Exodus; Unbroken]
Episode 128: ‘Tis the Season to be Juli
It’s Episode 128 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.
It’s our last episode of 2014 so we take the opportunity to celebrate the best films we’ve reviewed on the podcast this year, and our favourite performances, which includes a surprising Supporting Actress win from Pete. This week’s reviews include the Biblical epic “Exodus: Gods and Kings” and Angelina Jolie’s audacious survival tale “Unbroken,” while Pete caught Jimi Hendrix biopic “Jimi: All Is By My Side.” We discuss fradulent artist drama “Big Eyes,” starring Amy Adams, while we assess Julianne Moore’s bid for a long overdue Oscar in heavy-going Alzheimer’s tale “Still Alice.” Elsewhere, the death of the last remaining acting Oscar winner from the 1930s resurrects a common complaint, we scrutinize this year’s Foreign Language Oscar race some more, there’s a Razzie-level performance in one of this week’s films, and the podcast is interrupted by the children and dogs in Cal’s packed household.
- The death of Luise Rainer
- Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter split up
- Foreign Language Oscar Shortlist is revealed
[2:35 – 16:40]
Preconception Corner
Reviews of:
- Big Eyes
- Exodus: Gods and Kings
- Unbroken
- Jimi: All Is By My Side
- Still Alice
[24:25 – 1:11:40]
Closing Segment: Discussing our favourite films and performances reviewed on the podcast in 2014!
[1:11:45 – 1:17:55]
The Isaac Range
Outro Music: Baha Men, “Who Let the Dogs Out?”
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 123: The Folly of Ambition [Interstellar; Leviathan; Human Capital]
It’s Episode 123 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 joined once again by Irini M., who brings us news from her home country’s Thessaloniki Film Festival in a notably more concise fashion than September’s Venice round-up. She also joins in our discussion of some interesting recent events, which includes some rare exciting news involving David O. Russell, and the bizarre spectrum of films vying for this year’s Animated Feature Oscar. We discuss two Foreign Language Oscar contenders, as Paolo Virzi’s “Human Capital” enlivens the middle-class misery of bourgeois Italy and Andrey Zvyagintsev’s “Leviathan” documents the coastal conflicts of rural Russia, before giving ambition a dressing down, as Christopher Nolan’s epic “Interstellar” comes to town. We reveal whether the cinematic influences used in the film are a blessing or curse, and whether Nolan’s scope and logic holds up under scrutiny. Elsewhere, we recount a horror show from Venice which saw Pete become a gay advocate, a mistaken text briefly convinced Cal that his niece was a child genius, while Keira Knightley’s recent quest to boost female self-image has us rather baffled.
- Darren Aronofsky to head the jury at next year’s Berlin Film Festival
- David O. Russell’s long-delayed “Nailed” re-titled as “Love in Politics” and scheduled for release in the UK
- Animated Feature Oscar qualifying list is announced
- European Film Award nominations are announced
[3:05 – 20:55]
[21:00 – 34:45]
Reviews of:
- Leviathan
- Human Capital
[43:25 – 1:01:30]
Closing Segment: Our take on Christopher Nolan’s space-set epic “Interstellar,” and discussing cine-literate films, with comment on “Allegro,” “Kill Bill,” and “Once Upon a Time in the West”!
[1:01:35 – 1:28:40]
The Isaac Range
Outro Music: Adam and the Ants, “Prince Charming”
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 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 110: Past the Magenta [Guardians of the Galaxy; Welcome to New York; Lilting]
Episode 110: Past the Magenta
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It’s Episode 110 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’s antics in Ibiza are over, so the podcast returns from a fortnightly break, bringing with it five films, and some extremely early news of Foreign Language Oscar submissions. The French are represented well this week, led off by Agnes Jaoui’s fairytale-inspired “Under the Rainbow” and followed up by Michel Gondry’s eccentric “Mood Indigo,” but did the fantasy aspects of both films draw us in or have us running for the hills? Life is far from a fairytale in Abel Ferrara’s political drama “Welcome to New York,” in which we see far too much of Gerard Depardieu, while the presence of a famous cinematic villain of the past in gay drama “Lilting” ensures that it isn’t just The Ben Whishaw Show. All that, plus we finally catch up with Marvel’s mega financial and critical hit “Guardians of the Galaxy,” with all eyes on one guy in particular. Elsewhere, Pete dares to liken a Larry Olivier film to the Twilight series, we discuss how Colin Firth’s eagerness towards a certain leading lady was wholly inappropriate in the context, and one of the reviews inexplicably leads us to reminisce about the days of Craig David and S Club 7. No, really.
- Directors rally around the cause of film
- First Foreign Language Oscar submissions of the year: Turkey, Poland, and Hungary announce their picks!
[3:20 – 12:40]
- Guardians of the Galaxy
- Lilting
- Under the Rainbow
- Mood Indigo
[21:40 – 58:40]
Closing Segment: Discussing Abel Ferrara’s French political drama “Welcome to New York,” and discussing films that are thinly-veiled assaults on public figures!
[58:45 – 1:14:50]
The Isaac Range
Outro Music: The Vengaboys, “We’re Going To Ibiza”
Episode 109: All About the Bantz [Hercules; Joe; The Films of 1977]
Episode 109: All About the Bantz
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It’s Episode 109 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 let the reviews take a back seat, as we focus on festival fare and classic cinema. Podcast stalwart Irini M. is back with us to discuss the line-up for this year’s Venice Film Festival (which she will be attending) but abandons us after half an hour, forcing Pete to turn to poetry for consolation. We take (a lot of) time out to discuss the year that was 1977, talking about the year’s critics prizes, Oscar winners, and our personal top tens, leading to digressions about a classic catfight between Shirley MaClaine and Anne Bancroft, and a disappointing gay denial from Cal’s student days. Elsewhere, we chat about David Gordon Green’s “Joe,” sci-fi adventure “Earth to Echo,” and mythological action film “Hercules,” which Pete’s piano pupil was conspicuously absent from. Tune in to discover which Hong Kong director (no – not that one) got Pete and Irini excited, how the approach to casting of Luis Bunuel and Pier Pasolini was beyond liberal, and why the party island of Ibiza will force a mini-podcast hiatus.
The Week’s News:
- The trailer for Liv Ullmann’s “Miss Julie” is released
Opening Segment: Discussing the recently-announced lineup for this year’s Venice Film Festival, featuring films from Roy Andersson, Ramin Bahrani, and Andrew Niccol!
[3:55 – 20:40]
Listener Questions [Ibbi]
[20:45 – 29:35]
Preconception Corner
Classic Segment: Discussing our favourite films and performances from 1977, touching upon films by William Friedkin, Paul Verhoeven, and Fred Zinnemann, and performances by Richard Burton, Vanessa Redgrave, and Quinn Cummings! Plus much more!
[38:35 – 1:16:55]
- Joe
- Earth to Echo
- Hercules
[1:17:00 – 1:34:05]
The Isaac Range
Outro Music: Miley Cyrus, “Party in the U.S.A”
Episode 106: Cute, Amusing, and Cringe [Tammy; Cycling with Moliere; Cold in July]
Episode 106: Cute, Amusing, and Cringe
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It’s Episode 106 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 splitting the American releases down the middle, with Cal opting for raucous Melissa McCarthy comedy “Tammy,” and Pete settling down for moody thriller “Cold in July.” Cal’s fondness for musicals led him to colourful Aussie flick “Goddess,” featuring the vocal talents of none other than Ronan Keating, while France is represented in our review of “Cycling with Moliere,” which (spoiler!) has very little to do with actual cycling. Elsewhere, our crop of films in this month’s Red Light District features an unconventional biopic and a sports documentary, plus there’s an unexpected rant about “Out of Africa,” and an extremely short discussion of Kelly McGillis’ career. This week’s episode is a badly behaved one, as Pete uncorks the C word within the first half an hour (albeit in a quote), while other bouts of innuendo involve Vinessa Shaw and lucrative webcam placements, and some honest family nostalgia leads to rash likenesses between Melissa McCarthy and canines.
Opening Segment: This month’s Red Light District, in which we “pimp” films we’ve seen in the last month. This month’s crop includes “King & Country,” “Mahler,” “One Night in Turin,” and “They All Laughed”
[4:50 – 21:55]
Preconception Corner
- Tammy
- Cold in July
- Goddess
[30:15 – 58:10]
Closing Segment: Our take on Philippe Le Guay’s “Cycling with Moliere,” starring Fabrice Luchini and Lambert Wilson, and discussing cinematic bromances!
[58:15 – 1:13:15]
The Isaac Range
Outro Music: Banks, “Goddess”
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”
Special Episode: Best of the Podcast, Year Two
Best of the Podcast, Year Two
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Welcome to a special episode 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.
Here’s our second compilation episode! The following snippets are from episodes in the past year, and include reviews of “Diana” and “White House Down,” discussion of Greta Gerwig, James Gandolfini, Amy Adams, and Faye Dunaway, many of Pete’s colourful stories, and much much more! Enjoy.
Podcast Music: Jack Penate, “Second, Minute, or Hour”; Theophilus London, “Why Even Try?” (RAC Remix); Beyonce, “Diva”; Dr. John, “Getaway”; Carly Rae Jepsen, “Call Me Maybe”
Episode 104: Miscarriages of Justice [The Fault In Our Stars; Jersey Boys; Miss Violence]
Episode 104: Miscarriages of Justice
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It’s Episode 104 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.
Irini M. returns this week to help us discuss our favourite films and performances from 2014 so far, leading to a disagreement about Wes Anderson, yet more discussion of Xavier Dolan, and a fierce defence of a podcast fantasy favourite. The week’s reviews see us flirt with both familiarity and contempt, as Cedric Klapisch’s trilogy-capping “Chinese Puzzle” was finally released in the UK, while not all of us were happy about the Venice trophy haul of Greek family drama “Miss Violence.” We tackle cancer flick “The Fault In Our Stars,” Cal goes it alone for Clint Eastwood’s foray into the musical genre, “Jersey Boys,” while the latest batch of non-sporting news calls for a Desplat love-in, and a discussion of everyone’s favourite Hong Kong auteur. Pete continues to liken the faults of World Cinema to Roy Hodgson’s World Cup tactics, a listener question provokes a passionate defence of Greek patriotism from Irini, and a controversial pitch for a new Jennifer Lopez rom-com provides an early FYC for next year’s compilation.
The week’s news:
- Alexandre Desplat announced as the President of the jury at this year’s Venice Film Festival
- Wong Kar-Wai’s new film is on the way
- Gerry Conlon, subject of the film “In the Name of the Father,” dies aged 60
[2:30 – 14:45]
Listener Questions from Ibbi
[14:50 – 20:35]
Preconception Corner
- The Fault In Our Stars
- Chinese Puzzle
- Miss Violence
- Jersey Boys
[33:45 – 1:14:00]
Closing Segment: 2014’s mid-year awards, in which we discuss our favourite and least favourite films and performances from the year so far!
[1:14:05 – 1:35:35]
The Isaac Range
Outro Music: Alexandre Desplat, “Depart Pour La Guerre” (from “The Well Digger’s Daughter”)
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 98: Winners & Losers [Bad Neighbours; The Wind Rises; Next Goal Wins]
Episode 98: Winners & Losers
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It’s Episode 98 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 starts out sporty, as we look ahead to next month’s World Cup, and celebrate the release of new underdog football film “Next Goal Wins” by revealing our favourite documentaries about sports. After that, we get onto the week’s other releases, which include the amusingly re-titled comedy “Bad Neighbours” and Hayao Miyazaki’s period swansong “The Wind Rises,” which prompts a discussion of the greatest biopics ever made, and a face-off between “The Pianist” and “Schindler’s List”. With only three films, we have plenty of time to anticipate next week’s double-dose of Elizabeth Olsen, and venture on a host of digressions, discussing the quality of the cinema of 2004, and what exactly constitutes a “performance piece.” Elsewhere, Pete uncorks a rather vicious burn on Hailee Steinfeld, Zac Efron makes Cal feel guilty and shallow, and there’s a proposed overhaul of the segments which may see Emma and Melvil banished from the podcast. Scandal!
Opening Segment: Discussing our favourite sports documentaries, and high benchmarks for sports films in general!
[8:45 – 16:55]
Preconception Corner
- Next Goal Wins
- Bad Neighbours
[24:20 – 47:10]
Closing Segment: Our take on Hayao Miyakazi’s “The Wind Rises,” and discussing our favourite biopics, with some other random asides!
[47:15 – 1:16:00]
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: Conchita Wurst, “Rise Like a Phoenix”
Episode 97: Continental Drift [Tracks; A Thousand Times Good Night; Blue Ruin]
Episode 97: Continental Drift
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It’s Episode 97 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.
Dubbed “Mr. D+” by Pete, Cal hopes for a better run of films this week, as our slate of continent-spanning sober dramas force us to tone things down a little. We review Erik Poppe’s “A Thousand Times Good Night,” starring the ever-exemplary Juliette Binoche, but is the moral-heavy family crisis at the film’s centre worthy of her abilities? It’s been eight months since Pete saw and liked John Curran’s “Tracks” at Venice, but does Cal feel the same way about the Aussie desert quest’s quality? Elsewhere, Pete caught up with Paddy Considine-led British thriller “Honour,” while Cal opted for American indie revenge pic “Blue Ruin,” plus a listener question leads to a slew of digressions about the Cannes Film Festival’s history of politics and prize-giving. Tune in to hear our thoughts on the biggest Oscar snub of the 1980s, which Terrence Malick film receives a radical re-evaluation from Pete, and why a foolish display of canine companionship gets Cal all self-righteous.
The Week’s News:
- The death of Bob Hoskins
- A sequel to “Spring Breakers” is announced
- Cal’s been reading a Cannes-related book
Listener Question: “What are your thoughts on “Clean,” and specifically Maggie Cheung?” [Ibbi]
[7:55 – 13:10]
Opening Segment: The return of the Red Light District, featuring discussion of “Chaotic Ana,” “Into the Night,” “Safety Not Guaranteed,” “The Search for Bridey Murphy,” “To the Wonder,” and “Youth Without Youth”
[13:15 – 26:45]
Preconception Corner
- A Thousand Times Good Night
- Blue Ruin
- Honour
- Tracks
[29:55 – 1:02:25]
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: Faye Wong, “Dream Person”
Episode 96: Pfists & Trysts [Transcendence; Amazing Spider-Man 2; Labour Day]
Episode 96: Pfists & Trysts
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It’s Episode 96 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 especially sweet for Pete, as Rebecca Hall features in two very different releases: Wally Pfister’s ambitious Sci-fi project “Transcendence,” and Patrice Leconte’s reserved romantic drama “A Promise.” Despite general dread at the prospect of Jason Reitman’s “Labour Day,” Cal managed to catch it, but did he find something of worth besides an appreciation for Diane Lane’s taste in men? We both saw “The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” of which there are fairly lengthy preconceptions, and elsewhere we discuss some relationship news, an odd piece of casting, and the eclectic competition jury for this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Tune in to find out why Cal is on particularly grumpy form, how many times Pete had to recount the plot of “Transcendence” in order to perfect it, and our potentially epic plans for our upcoming 100th episode!
The Week’s News:
- Jodie foster marries her female partner
- George Clooney gets engaged
- Jessica Chastain cast as Marilyn Monroe
- A new Dad’s Army film to be made
- Cannes jury is announced
[4:45 – 16:10]
Preconception Corner
- The Amazing Spider-Man 2
- A Promise
- Labour Day
[28:05 – 59:15]
Closing Segment: Our take on Wally Pfister’s “Transcendence,” discussing debut screenwriting feats, and cinematographers-turned-directors!
[59:20 – 1:20:40]
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: The National, “Bloodbuzz Ohio”
Episode 95: The Pullitzer Puzzle [Locke; The Love Punch; Cannes Lineup]
Episode 95: The Pullitzer Puzzle
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It’s Episode 95 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 welcome Irini M back to the podcast to help us discuss the much-anticipated lineup of this year’s Cannes Film Festival, featuring the upcoming works of David Cronenberg, Mike Leigh, and many more European auteurs, some of which fill us with dread. We’re reviewing the Miranda Otto-led lesbian drama “Reaching for the Moon,” British heist comedy “The Love Punch,” and Tom Hardy’s one-man show “Locke,” which divided the camp in its depiction of drama and geography. Cal’s review of psychological horror film “Magic Magic” gets hijacked by Pete’s rant about a certain Pullitzer Prize winner, while Irini had a bone to pick with him about his “failure to understand” the point of Xavier Dolan’s latest delight. There are predictably many digressions, concerning Mr. Potato Head’s liberal use of his lips, Tom Hardy’s neglect of his razor, and Faye Dunaway’s fear of apostrophes, as well as a shocking Hathaway Protocol. It’s a week of regrets, as Irini’s belief in her own festival foresight lost her a fair bit of cash, while Naomi Watts finally bit the bullet and admitted that “Diana” wasn’t all that. Who knew?
Opening Segment: Discussing the recently announced line-up for this year’s Cannes Film Festival, featuring anticipation of films by David Cronenberg, Xavier Dolan, Nuri Bilge Ceylan, and Andrey Zvyagintsev!
[3:50 – 26:55]
Preconception Corner
- Reaching for the Moon
- The Love Punch
- Magic Magic
[36:00 – 1:00:25]
Closing Segment: Our take on Steven Knight’s “Locke,” and random asides involving Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway!
[1:00:30 – 1:17:05]
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: Radiohead, “Jigsaw Falling Into Place”
Episode 94: Packing Meat [Muppets Most Wanted; Calvary; The Lunchbox]
Episode 94: Packing Meat
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It’s Episode 94 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.
Those tired of our sports banter may rejoice this week as we forego our usual sporty opening, instead heading on a tangent about the horrific state of 1994’s Best Actress Oscar race, and yet another aside involving the Dardennes brothers. This week’s episode sees us largely catching up with smaller films, as we tackle family drama “The Fold,” science-fiction horror “Last Days on Mars,” and John Michael McDonagh’s Catholic whodunit “Calvary.” Cal dishes all on the culinary allure of Indian romance “The Lunchbox,” before we react to the slew of cameos in the new Muppet movie, “Muppets Most Wanted,” which sadly lacks the presence of Amy Adams this time around. Elsewhere, tune in to find out what Pete’s Annette Bening moment of the week was, whose bohemian attire caused this week’s Huston Problem, how Linford Christie’s manhood and the cast of “Magic Mike” could have spiced up one of this week’s films, and which leading males bear the brunt of our wrath when we discuss the Academy’s worst ever choices for Best Actor. “Cat Ballou” fans: stay away!
The Week’s News:
- Disfigured actor in “Under the Skin” is interviewed
- Russian cinemas fined for showing “The Wolf of Wall Street”
- French subtitling fund to be cut
[3:35 – 10:40]
Preconception Corner
- The Fold
- The Lunchbox
- Calvary
- Last Days on Mars
[20:35 – 59:20]
Closing Segment: Our take on the latest Muppets movie, “Muppets Most Wanted,” and discussing memorable dual-role performances!
[59:25 – 1:14:40]
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: K. Michelle, “Can’t Raise a Man”
Episode 93: Of Gods and Jen [Noah; Divergent; Tom At The Farm]
Episode 93: Of Gods and Jen
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It’s Episode 93 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 Gods look from upon high this week, as Pete has seen two Jennifer Connelly films in a matter of days, having finally caught up with Akiva Goldsman’s bizarre fantasy “A New York Winter’s Tale,” which Cal had already seen. We’re both on board for Crowe and Connelly’s re-teaming in Darren Aronofsky’s ambitious epic “Noah,” but at least one of us was put off by its emulation of Middle Earth and strange addition of rock people (no, really). Cal has seen Xavier Dolan’s tempestuous “Tom At The Farm,” and horror maestro Vincenzo Natali’s supernatural chiller “Haunter,” while Pete settled down for futuristic blockbuster “Divergent,” starring podcast favourite Shailene Woodley. All that, plus Pete has a sofa story which recalls Christopher Nolan’s “Memento,” Cal is under the spell of a certain farmhand, Abigail Breslin is at the centre of a retro-style Huston problem, and the reveal that Lady Gaga is in the new Muppets film is greeted with minimal enthusiasm.
The Week’s News:
- The death of Mickey Rooney
- Disney announces a sequel to “Wreck-It Ralph”
- Pete has seen “A New York Winter’s Tale”
[1:30 – 6:55]
Preconception Corner
- Tom At The Farm
- Divergent
- Haunter
[17:25 – 44:30]
Closing Segment: Our take on Darren Aronofsky’s “Noah,” and discussing biblical epics!
[44:35 – 1:03:40]
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: Eugene McGuinness, “Shotgun”
Episode 92: Blame Canada [Passion; The Invisible Woman; Jimmy P]
Episode 92: Blame Canada
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It’s Episode 92 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 living up to our Boozy British stereotype, as Pete’s return from Canada brings news of some troubling Toronto drinking laws and a serious put-down to an over-excitable hockey fan. We discuss the death of a glamour puss and the reveal of Sofia Coppola’s new project, plus one of us finally gets around to Ralph Fiennes’ “The Invisible Woman,” and we have reviews of acting showcase “Jimmy P” and kidnap story “7th Floor.” Find out whether Paul Dano can atone for his many acting sins by putting together a credible list of favourite films, how Brian DePalma’s steamy “Passion” compares to the original French thriller “Love Crime, and whether Kathryn Hahn can make the most of a rare leading role in offbeat comedy “Afternoon Delight.” Discover which liberal category placement instigated a spontaneous sing-off, why Cal’s failure to have seen an Ozu film isn’t particularly useful this week, and why Abba and Rihanna trump Robin Thicke.
The Week’s News:
- The death of Kate O’Mara
- Sofia Coppola to direct a live-action version of “The Little Mermaid”
- Paul Dano announces his top ten of all time
[5:00 – 22:05]
Preconception Corner
- The Invisible Woman
- Jimmy P
- Afternoon Delight
- 7th Floor
- Days of Darkness
[33:00 – 1:15:50]
Closing Segment: Our take on Brian DePalma’s “Passion,” and likening it to original French film “Love Crime”
[1:15:55 – 1:26:10]
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: Rage Against The Machine, “Killing in the Name”
Episode 91: Serial Offenders [Starred Up; About Last Night; The Rocket]
Episode 91: Serial Offenders
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It’s Episode 91 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 makes plans to search for Caroline Dhavernas this week, as he jets off to her homestead of Canada for a family wedding, but before that we have news of a seriously enticing new sitcom, a musical comeback of epic proportions, and we remember a couple of great contributors to the world of cinema. We also talk quite a bit about football, touching on last week’s “Under the Skin,” Celtic vs. Hibs controversy, but if you’re sick of us banging on about sport, you might want to skip the first ten minutes. This week’s films include blomantic comedy “About Last Night,” touching Australian tale “The Rocket,” and British thriller “Starred Up,” the latter of which Cal managed to get through the entirety of thinking that Rupert Friend was actually Orlando Bloom. Meanwhile, we head on a litany of digressions, some of which concern the best uses of Rita Hayworth, the career of the Dardennes brothers, and our favourite portrayals of alcoholics. Dig in.
Introduction and news
This month’s Red Light District: Featuring discussion of “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs,” “The Emperor’s New Groove,” “Robot & Frank,” “Sherman’s March,” and “The Westerner”
[12:00 – 24:00]
Preconception Corner
- About Last Night
- Starred Up
- The Rocket
[33:45 – 1:16:00]
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: Kim Wilde, “Cambodia”
Episode 90: Celtic Confusion [Under the Skin; The Past; The Zero Theorem]
Episode 90: Celtic Confusion
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It’s Episode 90 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 podcast is back after a fortnight’s absence with some St. Patrick’s day cheer, but will we be cheering in response to this week’s films? Asghar Farhadi fans may want to beware, as we review French language drama “The Past,” while those who helped kick-start a movie adaptation of TV show “Veronica Mars” will have to deal with a fresh take on the crime caper. Pete’s seen another quirky Tilda Swinton film this week in Terry Gilliam’s “The Zero Theorem,” before Cal reveals whether the second half of Lars Von Trier’s “Nymphomaniac” lived up to the educational might of the first. Jonathan Glazer’s shady “Under the Skin” gets us discussing (among other things) why meeting Scarlett Johansson in a nightclub is a very bad omen, and which football team’s fans bears the brunt of her seduction. The usual digressions occur, as we’re forced to address the original Huston Problem, Pete’s trepidation for an upcoming Dostoyevsky adaptation, and which TV shows we’d love to see a big-screen version of. We offer a quick lesson on grammatical composition, the Earth threatens to fall off its axis when Cal associates Katy Perry with Bjork, and Cillian Murphy throws a spanner in the works of this week’s Watson Factor. It’s all about the Celts.
Introduction and news
Preconception Corner
- The Past
- Veronica Mars
- The Zero Theorem
- Nymphomaniac: Part II
[13:40 – 51:20]
Closing Segment: Our take on Jonathan Glazer’s “Under the Skin,” and discussing films set in Glasgow
[51:25 – 1:07:10]
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: Beach Boys, “Caroline No”
Episode 89: Bad Badinage [Non-Stop; Nymphomaniac; The Book Thief]
Episode 89: Bad Badinage
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It’s Episode 89 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 finally put 2013 to bed with discussion of Sunday’s Oscar ceremony, which features theories on how rule changes may have helped a certain Italian film, and when on earth Amy Adams will get her moment in the sun. A listener question turns our attention to acting winners of years gone by, while we review airborne mystery/thriller “Non-Stop,” the first part of the racy “Nymphomaniac,” and Akiva Goldsman’s bewildering “A New York Winter’s Tale.” We have our say on holocaust drama “The Book Thief,” but did its Oscar-nominated score make as much impact on us as its intermittent voice-over? Plus: listen to find out how Uma Thurman is channelling Gena Rowlands this week, why Lars Von Trier’s use of Shostakovich is questionable, and a story from Pete about how unwelcome ‘entertainment’ almost turned nasty. It’s all about the badinage.
Introduction and non-film news
Opening Segment:
Discussing the winners of this year’s Academy Awards, plus a listener question!
[4:25 – 22:40]
Preconception Corner
- Nymphomaniac: Volume I
- The Book Thief
- A New York Winter’s Tale (mild spoilers!)
- Non-Stop
[31:40 – 1:17:50]
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: The Cardigans, “Erase & Rewind”
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 87: The Myth of Socrates [Top Tens of 2013; Monuments Men; BAFTA winners]
Episode 87: The Myth of Socrates
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It’s Episode 87 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 sees the return of previous podcast guest Irini M, who helps us discuss George Clooney’s World War II caper “Monuments Men” and ponder some latest film news, featuring a death, a coming-out, and a Supporting Actress tragedy. And then we all reveal our top tens of 2013 (which takes a while), but it proves difficult for some to bite their tongues about each others’ picks. Listener questions instigate a Greek history lesson, but our guest remains coy throughout the interrogation, meanwhile we discuss one of Gregory Peck’s more bizarre performances, which films should have replaced “Before Sunset” and/or “Before Midnight” in the romantic trilogy, why one of Cal’s top ten was lucky to have seen the light of day, and which of Irini’s inclusions she had to apologise to Pete about. We have some audio issues in the early part of the podcast, but the last hour recorded well, and we end with Jennifer Lawrence’s karaoke favourite.
The Week’s News:
- The death of Shirley Temple
- Ellen Page comes out
- BAFTA winners
[2:40 – 15:05]
Preconception Corner
- Monuments Men
[25:35 – 32:55]
Closing Segment: Our top tens of 2013, featuring discussion of “The Grandmaster,” “Her,” and much more, plus our favourite performances of the year!
[33:00 – 1:25:00]
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: Wings, “Live and Let Die”
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 85: The Saldana Situation [Lone Survivor; Out of the Furnace; 2013 Catch Up]
Episode 85: The Saldana Situation
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It’s Episode 85 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 to a fairly lengthy running time, when the week’s slate reaches a lofty seven films, as we catch up on 2013 films we missed. The jury’s out as to whether Pete will agree with Cal’s affection for “The Spectacular Now,” “Short Term 12” and “Museum Hours,” and whether Cal will share Pete’s disdain for “The Place Beyond the Pines” and admiration for “The Wall.” We also take the time out to discuss a couple of Friday’s cinema releases as Cal tackles raucous war drama “Lone Survivor,” and Pete deals with the blue-collar criminality in “Out Of The Furnace.” We mourn the recent passing of Philip Seymour Hoffman with a discussion of our favourite performances of his, and mull over some recent Oscar controversy. Tune in to find out how Zoe Saldana may have unwittingly spawned a new segment for the show, why Pete is (wrongly) outraged over a previous episode’s Poupaud ruling, and which Latin singer bears the brunt of our displeasure. All this, plus a random bout of singing leads to a Dolly Parton number closing out the podcast. Yes, again.
The Week’s News:
- The deaths of Maximillian Schell and Philip Seymour Hoffman
- Kristin Scott-Thomas Is Done With Films
- Oscar nomination for “Alone Yet Not Alone” rescinded
- Cesar nominations announced
[4:30 – 19:00]
Preconception Corner
- Lone Survivor
- Out Of The Furnace
[27:55 – 47:40]
Closing Segment: Catching up with 2013 films, with comment on “Museum Hours,” “The Place Beyond the Pines,” “Short Term 12,” “The Spectacular Now” and “The Wall”
[47:50 – 1:13:50]
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: Dolly Parton, “Jolene”
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 81: Patience Is a Virtue [Mandela; Last Vegas; The Patience Stone]
Episode 81: Patience Is a Virtue
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It’s Episode 81 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.
Any New Years resolutions to be kinder about films get well and truly broken today, as we discuss the merits (or lack thereof) of geriatric Hangover-style comedy “Last Vegas,” although at least one of the cast members appears to be keeping the hands of time at bay. Cal tackles the latest biopic of the late Nelson Mandela, subtitled “Long Walk to Freedom,” while Pete opted for the rigidity of Keanu Reeves in samurai tale “47 Ronin.” After recovering from Amy Adams’ sexy exploits last week, Pete finds a woman worth coveting in middle-Eastern drama “The Patience Stone,” but the film itself may have tested the patience of at least one of us too much. We discuss several organisations’ nominations this week, chief of which is BAFTA, while there are asides concerning Faye Dunaway’s lack of humility and Rinko Kikuchi’s vulpine ability, plus the Cage Scale makes a welcome return.
The Week’s News:
- Jane Campion will head the jury at this year’s Cannes Film Festival
- Costume Designers Guild nominations
- American Society of Cinematographers nominations
- Directors Guild of America nominations (plus listener question from Alex!)
- BAFTA nominations
[5:00 – 21:50]
Preconception Corner
Reviews of:
- Last Vegas
- 47 Ronin
- Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
- The Patience Stone
[27:15 – 1:06:15]
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: Kylie Minogue, “Love At First Sight”
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 78: The Nose of the Poots [Nebraska; Frozen; Kill Your Darlings]
Episode 78: The Nose of the Poots
[Or How Everyone Should Join Us in Loving Zack Snyder Being Owned]
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Our latest episode was recorded in two parts due to a technical hitch, but hopefully you won’t be able to tell. The break allowed us to return post-Screen Actors Guild Awards announcement to give a brief run-down of our thoughts, but are we happy with the nominees? Cal had some worrying preconceptions about awards player “Nebraska,” after the (among other things) criminal voice-over in the first fifteen minutes of “The Descendants,” but did its monochrome mumblecore ways win us over? The big questions of the week are where Ethan Hawke’s 73rd film of 2013, “Getaway,” ranks on the dreaded Cage Scale, and whether Selena Gomez can manage to keep her clothes on, while some unexpected female casting in “Kill Your Darlings” threatens to shake up this week’s edition of The Watson Factor. We discuss the virtues of Disney’s “Frozen,” which has us both rapturous about one thing or another, and we take time out to consider the fragility of the Supporting Actor Oscar race, the allure of Imogen Poots’ nose, and revel in Zack Snyder being dealt a body blow by AMPAS.
The Week’s News:
- Woody Allen will not accept his Cecil B. DeMille award
- “Man of Steel” not on Oscar’s Visual Effects shortlist
- European Film Award winners
- British Independent Film Award winners
- L.A Film Critics winners
- Boston Film Critics winners
[3:10 – 17:15]
Listener Question [Alex], plus some anticipation for this week’s Golden Globe nominations
[17:20 – 24:45]
Preconception Corner
Reviews of:
- Nebraska
- Kill Your Darlings
- Getaway
[32:00 – 59:20]
Closing Segment: Our review of Disney’s “Frozen,” and discussing yesterday’s Screen Actors Guild nominees!
[59:25 – 1:18:20]
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: Madonna, “Frozen”
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 75: Pillow Talk [The Counsellor; The Butler; Don Jon]
Episode 75: Pillow Talk
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It’s Episode 75 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 sees the return of the French quarter, as Pete ventured to a local film festival to catch his beloved Daniel Auteuil’s recent double-feature, “Marius” and “Fanny,” as well as Juliette Binoche in “Camille Claudel 1915.” Elsewhere, we’re discussing the joys of this week’s mainstream releases, including Scarlett Johansson’s womanly prowess in sexed-up comedy “Don Jon,” and the varying degrees of raunch Penelope Cruz and Cameron Diaz bring to Ridley Scott’s brutal thriller “The Counsellor.” We ponder the difference between BAFTA and Oscar, discuss whether voice performances should vie for awards, while a listener question forces us to address the mediocrity of some of the Academy’s Supporting Actress winners from years gone by. There are huge preconceptions about Lee Daniels’ “The Butler,” but can its depiction of the civil rights movement survive our scrutiny and mark a mature step forward for the director? Listen to find out, and enjoy musings on the absurdity of John Cusack’s fake nose , how Zooey Deschanel might have ruined one of the week’s offerings, and why Cuba Gooding Jr. and Jane Fonda really need to hang out more.
The Week’s News:
- The Honorary Oscars have been handed out
- Scarlett Johansson wins Best Actress at the Rome Film Festival for “Her”
- There’s going to be a sequel to “It’s a Wonderful Life”
[2:25 – 13:25]
Preconception Corner
Reviews of:
- The Counsellor
- Don Jon
- Marius / Fanny
- Camille Claudel 1915
[36:40 – 1:04:55]
Closing Segment: Our take on Lee Daniels’ “The Butler,”* and discussing historical inaccuracies in films! [1:03:50 – 1:23:40]
The Watson Factor
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: Rhye, “Hunger”
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 72: Out In Left Field [Bad Grandpa; Ender’s Game; Closed Circuit]
Episode 72: Out In Left Field
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It’s Episode 72 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 leaning to the left, as the radical politics of Polish paean “Walesa, Man of Hope,” and terrorist thriller “Closed Circuit,” have conflicting degrees of success. We discuss some rather troubling casting news from this side of the ocean, before Cal dishes all on festival favourite “The Selfish Giant” and Pete reveals whether populist hit “Bad Grandpa” is worth a watch. Some probable Star Trek blasphemy gets in the way of this week’s review of “Ender’s Game,” as Cal dares to compare it to the long-running franchise, plus there’s love for Colleen Atwood, a nod to Reese Witherspoon’s scene stealing intonation in the trailer for “Rendition,” and a theory on why Alfred Hitchcock’s biggest regret is nothing to worry about.
The Week’s News:
- The death of Lou Reed
- Lorde storms the music charts
- Tom Hardy cast as Elton John
- Tim Roth cast as Sepp Blatter
- “Momuments Men” moves to 2014
- The Gotham nominations are announced
[4:10 – 11:55]
*Preconception Corner*
Reviews of:
- Closed Circuit
- Ender’s Game
- Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa
- The Selfish Giant
[19:50 – 1:01:30]
Closing Segment: Our take on Andrzej Wajda’s “Walesa, Man of Hope” and discussing our first-time cinema experiences of films by Alfred Hitchcock, Robert Altman, Wong Kar-Wai, and Orson Welles [1:01:35 – 1:22:50]
The Watson Factor
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: Late Night Alumni, “All or Nothing”
Episode 71: The Lazarus Situation [London Film Festival; Captain Phillips; Prince Avalanche]
Episode 71: The Lazarus Situation
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It’s Episode 71 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 London Film Festival special, as we round up some of the films we caught in the capital, including competition winner “Ida,” and acclaimed German drama “The Police Officer’s Wife.” We discuss directors battling conflicts with studios, including Darren Aronofsky and Olivier Dahan, before launching into an assault on Harvey Weinstein, after one of us saw the compromised cut of Wong Kar-Wai’s “The Grandmaster.” Cal tackles new releases “Prince Avalanche” and Belgian Oscar entry “The Broken Circle Breakdown,” before we reveal whether we liked Paul Greengrass’ “Captain Phillips” as much as similar Danish thriller “A Hijacking,” and ponder what on earth Catherine Keener is doing in the film. Tune in for digressions about Melissa George’s hair, the Best Actor Oscar lineup of 1994, and the dangers of meeting Americans in Eastern Europe.
The Week’s News:
- Catherine Deneuve turns 70
- “The Wolf of Wall Street” to be released this year
- Olivier Dahan vs. Harvey Weinstein
- Darren Aronofsky vs. Christians
[3:35 – 12:30]
Opening Segment: Our round-up of the London Film Festival, featuring discussion of “Bends,” “The Grandmaster,” “Ida,” “Must Have Been Love,” “On My Way,” and “The Police Officer’s Wife.”
[12:35 – 47:50]
Reviews of:
- Prince Avalanche
- The Broken Circle Breakdown
[52:25 – 1:02:30]
Closing Segment: Our take on seaboard-set adventure “Captain Phillips,” and discussing our favourite films set on the open water! [1:02:35 – 1:17:10]
The Watson Factor
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: Tori Amos, “Talula”
Episode 70: Home Truths [The Fifth Estate; Baggage Claim; Le Weekend]
Episode 70: Home Truths
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It’s Episode 70 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 epic episode is our longest yet, as we give our take on two films with radically different approaches to marriage. We found romantic comedy “Baggage Claim” a tad bonkers, but certain members of its Paula Patton-led cast won us over, while we reveal whether Roger Michell’s “Le Weekend” can shrug off its terrible title and avoid becoming another chronicle of an elderly gentleman’s libido. We have reviews of Wikileaks drama “The Fifth Estate” and Kim Ki-Duk’s twisted thriller “Pieta,” before embarking on a lengthy discussion of Oscar highs and lows from years gone by. We take your suggestions, address a listener question regarding this year’s Best Actress race, and tease next week’s report from the London Film Festival. Tune in to find out which film prompted Pete to start juggling marshmallows, which critical faux-pas caused Cal to become appalled, which famous British actress played the flute in Pete’s school orchestra, and how Willem Dafoe’s character poster for “Nymphomaniac” may have us crying out for “Body of Evidence,” despite what Julianne Moore might think.
The Week’s News:
- The Death of Mark ‘Chopper’ Read
- Character posters are released for “Nymphomaniac”
- The first Oscar screeners are sent out (“Mud”; “Stories We Tell”; “The Croods)
- Tina Fey and Amy Poehler will return to host the Golden Globes
- Golden Globe category placements: “Blue Jasmine” goes drama, while “Before Midnight” goes comedy
[1:40 – 14:30]
Listener Question: “Is there ANY WAY Cate Blanchett won’t win the Oscar for “Blue Jasmine”? [Eoin]
[14:40 – 18:55]
Reviews of:
- The Fifth Estate
- Pieta
- Baggage Claim
- Le Week-End
[27:05 – 1:09:30]
Closing Segment: Revealing our most loved and loathed Oscar lineups from years gone by, and discussing listener suggestions! With comment on 1937’s Best Actress Lineup and 1955’s list of supporting actresses, plus much more! [1:09:35 – 1:27:55]
The Watson Factor
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: Javiera Mena, “Luz de Piedra de Luna”
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 67: Advanced Iconography [Diana; 42; The Call]
Episode 67: Advanced Iconography
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It’s Episode 67 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 asking ourselves whether this is the real life or just fantasy, as biographical dramas about two very different people hit cinema screens in the UK. As self-confessed baseball fans, the Jackie Robinson movie “42” was very high on our agenda, while Olivier Hirschbiegel’s heavily derided “Diana” gave us uneasy preconceptions. From there, Cal tackles serial-killer thriller “The Call,” and Pete caught coming-of-age tale “The Way Way Back” and Arabian drama “Winter of Discontent.” A modest news segment turns into a lengthy discussion about Foreign Language Oscar nominees of the past (like that’s never happened before) and we launch into digressions involving the measure of Marcello Mastrioianni’s Oscar nominations, the patriotism of the French, and some huge concerns about next week’s releases.
The Week’s News:
- Foreign Language Oscar submissions: Hong Kong submit “The Grandmaster,” France submit “Renoir,” and the UK submit “Metro Manila”
- “Grace of Monaco” and “Wolf of Wall Street” pushed to 2014
- Terrence Malick is counter-suiting the people suing him for the “Voyage of Time” debacle
- Quentin Tarantino to star as Roger Corman in a biopic directed by Joe Dante
- Sofia Coppola directing the next Phoenix video
- Abdellatif Kechiche hits back at criticism
[2:15 – 20:15]
Reviews of:
- 42
- The Way, Way Back
- The Call
- Winter Of Discontent
[29:30 – 1:02:10]
Closing Segment: Our take on Olivier Hirschbiegel’s “Diana,” and assessing just how much of a disaster it is for those involved! [1:02:15 – 1:17:55]
The Watson Factor
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: D:Ream, “Things Can Only Get Better”
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 65: Preferential Pork [About Time; Blackfish; Any Day Now]
Episode 65: Preferential Pork
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It’s Episode 65 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.
Festivals are on the brain this week, as we discuss the unexpected winners from Venice’s Bertolucci-headed jury, and what to expect from the London Film Festival in October. Cal saw a rare film outing for Alan Cumming, in gay adoption drama “Any Day Now,” and braced the bloody horror “No One Lives,” while Pete opted for killer whale documentary “Blackfish.” We have a review of the academic “Museum Hours,” and Richard Curtis’ “About Time,” which Cal only saw a quarter of, due to some terrible projection incompetence in Hammersmith, and the Red Light District returns with films from the 1940s and 1980s. All this, plus our usual digressions, in which we launch into tangents on the prospect of a Liv Ullman comeback, the benefits of “Certified Copy,” and why Charles Laughton’s ham is more tolerable than Philip Seymour Hoffman’s.
The Week’s News, featuring discussion about this year’s honourary Oscars, Meryl Streep’s Oscar category reversal, Germany’s Foreign Language Oscar submission, and some “Blue is the Warmest Colour” controversy [3:00 – 12:20]
Opening Segment: Discussing the winners from this year’s Venice Film Festival, and the recently announced lineup for the London Film Festival! [12:25 – 22:10]
Reviews of:
- Any Day Now
- About Time
- No One Lives
- Blackfish
- Museum Hours
[25:45 – 1:10:00]
Closing Segment: This month’s Red Light District, featuring discussion about “Barfly,” “Flying Lessons,” “The Suspect,” and “World War Z” [1:10:05 – 1:18:40]
The Watson Factor
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: Cat Power, “The Greatest”
Episode 64: The Return of Wowface [Venice Film Festival; Upstream Color; You’re Next]
Episode 64: The Return of Wowface
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It’s Episode 64 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 sees Pete return from the Venice Film Festival with reviews of Stephen Fears’ “Philomena” and Sion Sono’s “Why Don’t You Play In Hell,” among other work by Miguel Gomes, Kelly Reichardt, and John Curran. We also take time out to discuss reaction on the Lido to Alfonso Cuaron’s “Gravity.” This week’s films see the highly-anticipated release of abstract entanglement drama “Upstream Color,” claustrophobic horror “You’re Next,” and the return of Michael Bay with “Pain & Gain,” which had Cal somewhat worried. As usual we go off on a few tangents, as Pete pimps the beauty of 2004 in film, laments the absence of Nadine Labaki from one of the week’s offerings, and we ponder how Liv Ullman would have fared in “Miss Congeniality.” And then we reveal the exciting news that an underseen long-time podcast favourite may soon be coming to a website near you, but keep that one quiet, won’t you?
The Week’s News, featuring discussion about the death of Sir David Frost, and the casting of “Fifty Shades of Grey”! [2:35 – 6:05]
Reviews of:
- Upstream Color (warning: minor spoilers)
- Pain & Gain
- You’re Next
[9:10 – 33:45]
Closing Segment: Pete’s report from the Venice Film Festival, featuring reviews and commentary on “Why Don’t You Play In Hell?” “Tracks,” “Holding Breath,” “Redemption,” “We Are the Best!” “May in the Summer,” “Philomena,” “Night Moves,” and some brief thoughts about “Gravity” [33:50 – 1:18:30]
The Watson Factor
The Poupaud Range
Outro Music: Placebo, “Taste In Men”
In the Mood for Podcast 
