Episode 168: The Garrel Grievance [Cannes Film Festival Line-Up]
News from the Croisette lures Irini and Cal back to the microphone, as we discuss yesterday’s announcement of the 70th Cannes Film Festival lineup, featuring (among others) new films from Andrey Zvyagintsev, Lynne Ramsay, Todd Haynes, and podcast favourite Sofia Coppola. We’re also catching up with news we haven’t discussed since the last episode, chief of which is *that* infamous Oscar mix-up, plus we touch upon the surprise smash hit “Get Out” and dig into some seriously juicy female-led TV shows. Elsewhere, Irini shamelessly flaunts some national pride when we discuss one of the festival’s entries, we vehemently disagree on the virtues of the Safdie brothers, and Cal tests Irini’s patience by taking a pop at Xavier Dolan and all but killing off Michael Haneke.
News Catch Up:
- Oscars catastrophe
- Oscar rule changes
- Get Out
- Big Little Lies / Feud
[1:51 – 11:53]
Listener Question [ibbi]
Cannes Film Festival:
- Discussing the line-up for this year’s Cannes Film Festival in May!
[16:20 – 56:25]
Intro Music: Alma, “Requiem”
Outro Music: Loreen, “Statements”
Episode 140: The Birthday Quintet [Insurgent; The Gunman; The Voices]
It’s Episode 140 of In the Mood for Podcast, a British-based film podcast hosted by Calum Reed of Ultimate Addict and Pete Sheppard of In the Mood for Blog.
This week we discuss Sean Penn’s brawn in the critically-derided “The Gunman” and Ryan Reynolds’ form in the flat-out weird horror comedy “The Voices,” while the return of Shailene Woodley in Robert Schwentke’s “Insurgent” brings excitement (as does the surprise appearance of Naomi Watts), but did the Divergent sequel live up to the promise of its predecessor? Elsewhere, in the wake of the release of “Mommy” we take the opportunity to discuss the career of Xavier Dolan (leading to a Greek peace offering), we discuss the crowded Best Actor field of 2007, one of this week’s performers prompts a resurrection of the “best actress under thirty” debate, and Pete has taken to social media with his frustration at radio airplay.
Preconception Corner
A Conversation on Xavier Dolan: Discussing the filmmaker’s work thus far, in the wake of this week’s release of “Mommy”
[15:25 – 25:12]
Reviews of:
- The Gunman 25:13 – 33:30
- The Voices 33:31 – 42:06
- Insurgent 42:07 – 58:08
Shag, Marry or Kill?
The Pootsition
The Garrett Gauge
Episode 138: Bemoaning the Mullet [Chappie; White Bird in a Blizzard; Kill the Messenger]
It’s Episode 138 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 our 138th effort, we managed to keep this episode to a reserved sixty four minutes, allowing for discussion of Gregg Araki’s latest take on adolescence, “White Bird in a Blizzard,” Jeremy Renner as a crusading journalist in “Kill the Messenger,” while Cal revealed whether “Chappie” is as bad as the trailer (and most of the reactions to the film) suggests. It’s fair to say that this week’s slate of films leave a lot to be desired, but we try and find the positives as best we can. Elsewhere, the UK’s Eurovision entry fails to get us excited, we discuss the litany of queer roles for the actors of 2005, Neill Blonkamp’s recent fascination with female villains leads to an unexpectedly crude remark about Jodie Foster, and Hugh Jackman’s radical hairstyle rocks the Gauge.
Preconception Corner
Reviews of:
- White Bird in a Blizzard 12:07 – 24:50
- Chappie 24:51 – 35:18
- Kill the Messenger 35:19 – 46:42
Shag, Marry or Kill?
The Pootsition
The Garrett Gauge
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 101: The Besmirchment of Hermione [Edge of Tomorrow; Maleficent; Ilo Ilo]
Episode 101: The Besmirchment of Hermione
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It’s Episode 101 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 sees the debut review of perennial podcast talking point and all-around legend, Liv Ullmann, whose return to the screen in German Oscar entry “Two Lives” got tongues wagging, but did its tepid tale of espionage make a lasting impression on us? In the wake of this week’s Singapore film “Ilo Ilo,” we get to talking about other recent Camera d’Or winners at the Cannes Film Festival, touching on some films Pete doesn’t really like, and one in particular that he can’t get enough of. Elsewhere, only one of us saw Angelina Jolie strut her stuff in Disney spin-off “Maleficent,” and the sheer insanity of Doug Liman’s “Edge of Tomorrow” had us knocked for six. Listen, as we rue a series of missed opportunities and get into a passionate discussion about the importance of film critics, while Pete rants about the recent career choices of a podcast favourite and a former co-star of Emily Blunt gets an unexpected shout-out. Vive le Yorkshire!
The week’s news:
- Ken Loach complains about critics
[5:25 – 11:25]
Opening Segment: Discussing the winners of the Camera d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, since 2000, featuring discussion of “Reconstruction,” “Hunger,” “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” and more!
[11:35 – 21:40]
Preconception Corner
- Ilo Ilo
- Maleficent
- Two Lives
[29:10 – 58:05]
Closing Segment: Our take on Doug Liman’s “Edge of Tomorrow,” starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt!
[58:10 – 1:11:15]
The Isaac Range
Outro Music: The Shirelles, “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?”
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 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 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”
In the Mood for Podcast 
