Share

cover art for 19: The Polar Express with Emma Stefansky

Podcast Like It's ...

19: The Polar Express with Emma Stefansky

ā€¢

All aboard! šŸš‚ Weā€™re kicking off our new holiday mini-series, TIS THE DAMN SEASON: 2024 EDITION, with the uncanny, magical, and slightly eerie world of The Polar Express! This week, Phil is joined by writer Emma Stefansky to unpack Robert Zemeckisā€™ bold leap into motion capture animation, Tom Hanksā€™ multifaceted performances, and whether this 2004 Christmas classic has truly stood the test of timeā€”or derailed into the uncanny valley.

From hot chocolate dances to existential kid questions, weā€™re diving into every corner of this winter wonderland (and nightmare?). šŸŽ…ā„ļø


Follow Emma Stefansky:

Twitter: @stefabsky

Instagram: @stefabsky

Donā€™t miss the holiday magicā€”stream this episode wherever you get your podcasts! šŸŽ§šŸŽ„


Patreon: Get more from Podcast Like It's... on Patreon

Ā 

Twitter: Podcast Like It's... (@PodcastLikeIts) on X

Ā 

Instagram: Instagram (@podcastlikeits)

Ā 

Reddit: http://reddit.com/r/podcastlikeits




#PodcastLikeIts2000s #ThePolarExpress #TisTheDamnSeason #MoviePodcasts #HolidayMovies #TomHanks #RobertZemeckis #ChristmasPodcast #MotionCapture #FilmLovers #PodcasterLife #MovieBuffs #PopCulturePodcast #HolidaySpirit #PodcastRecommendations #FilmDiscussion #UncannyValley #ChristmasMagic #HotChocolateDance

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 18: Gladiator with Joanna Robinson

    01:43:52|
    āš”ļø This week on Podcast Like Itā€™s the 2000s, weā€™re stepping into the Colosseum to discuss Ridley Scottā€™s epic masterpiece Gladiator! Hosts Phil and Emily are joined by the brilliant Joanna Robinson (The Ringer, House of R) to unpack the 2000 Best Picture winner that redefined the historical epic and made Russell Crowe a household name.From its breathtaking battle scenes to its iconic score and unforgettable performances, we explore how Gladiator set the gold standard for 2000s cinema. Joanna brings her sharp insights to the table as we discuss the filmā€™s legacy, its enduring cultural impact, and why weā€™re all still shouting, 'Are you not entertained?!' šŸŽ­šŸ”„Donā€™t miss this epic conversation about one of the greatest films of its decade! šŸŽ§āœØ #Gladiator #PodcastLikeItsThe2000s #JoannaRobinson #RussellCrowe #RidleyScott #HistoricalEpics #MovieTalk #2000sCinemaPatreon: http://patreon.com/PodcastlikeitsTwitter: http://twitter.com/podcastlikeitsInstagram: http://instagram.com/podcastlikeitsReddit: http://reddit.com/r/podcastlikeits
  • 17: Traffic with Caroline Thompson & Carson Betts

    01:48:35|
    šŸŒ This week on Podcast Like Itā€™s the 2000s, weā€™re diving into Steven Soderberghā€™s Oscar-winning ensemble drama Traffic! Hosts Phil and Emily are joined by Caroline Thompson and Carson Betts to break down this gripping and ambitious exploration of the global drug trade and its devastating effects on individuals and families.From the film's innovative use of color to its sprawling narrative and powerhouse performances, we explore how Traffic redefined the crime drama and captured the complexities of a deeply interconnected world. Is this one of the defining films of the 2000s? Tune in as we discuss its legacy, its impact, and why it still resonates today.Donā€™t miss this thought-provoking conversation! šŸŽ§āœØ #Traffic #PodcastLikeItsThe2000s #StevenSoderbergh #MovieTalk #CarolineThompson #CarsonBetts #2000sCinema #OscarWinnersPatreon: http://patreon.com/PodcastlikeitsTwitter: http://twitter.com/podcastlikeitsInstagram: http://instagram.com/podcastlikeitsReddit: http://reddit.com/r/podcastlikeits
  • 16: Erin Brockovich with Joe Reid & Chris Feil

    02:15:43|
    šŸŒŸ This week on Podcast Like Itā€™s the 2000s, weā€™re taking on the powerhouse biographical drama Erin Brockovich! Hosts are joined by Joe Reid and Chris Feil (This Had Oscar Buzz) to dive into Steven Soderberghā€™s critically acclaimed film that turned Julia Roberts into an Oscar-winning force of nature. šŸ’¼āš”ļøFrom its sharp screenplay and unforgettable performances to its real-life story of environmental justice, we explore why Erin Brockovich remains one of the defining films of the 2000s. Joe, Chris, Phil, and Emily discuss the movie's legacy, its place in the modern biopic genre, and what makes Julia Roberts' performance so iconic.Donā€™t miss this engaging conversation about one of the decadeā€™s most inspiring and impactful films! šŸŽ§āœØ #ErinBrockovich #PodcastLikeItsThe2000s #JoeReid #ChrisFeil #OscarBuzz #JuliaRoberts #FilmDiscussionPatreon: Get more from Podcast Like It's... on PatreonĀ Twitter: Podcast Like It's... (@PodcastLikeIts) on XĀ Instagram: Instagram (@podcastlikeits)Ā Reddit: http://reddit.com/r/podcastlikeits
  • 15: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon with Max Fisher

    01:35:20|
    šŸ¹āœØ This week on Podcast Like It's.., weā€™re soaring into the stunning world of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon! Hosts are joined by Max Fisher to discuss Ang Leeā€™s 2000 martial arts masterpiece that redefined global cinema with its breathtaking action sequences, poetic storytelling, and unforgettable performances.Together, we explore how Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon transcended genres, broke cultural barriers, and captivated audiences worldwide. Max, Emily, and Phil dive into the filmā€™s themes of honor, love, and destiny, as well as its lasting impact on Hollywood and international cinema. šŸŒšŸŽ¬Donā€™t miss this epic conversation about one of the most beautiful films ever made! šŸŽ§āœØ #CrouchingTigerHiddenDragon #AngLee #PodcastLikeIts #MartialArtsCinema #MaxFisher #PodcastCommunityPatreon: http://patreon.com/PodcastlikeitsTwitter: http://twitter.com/podcastlikeitsInstagram: http://instagram.com/podcastlikeitsReddit: http://reddit.com/r/podcastlikeits
  • Bonus Election Episode: "W" with Emily St. James

    01:10:49|
    šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø In this special Election Edition of Podcast Like It's.., hosts Emily and Phil take on Oliver Stoneā€™s W., the 2008 biographical drama that dives into the life and presidency of George W. Bush. With Stoneā€™s signature style and Josh Brolinā€™s striking performance, W. explores the complex journey of one of Americaā€™s most controversial leaders.Emily and Phil break down the filmā€™s portrayal of Bush, its approach to recent history, and how it resonates in todayā€™s political climate. Whether you lived through the Bush era or are seeing it through a new lens, this bonus episode is full of timely insights and lively discussion. šŸ‡ŗšŸ‡øšŸŽ¬Tune in for this Election Day bonusā€”only on Podcast Like Itā€™s...! šŸŽ§#PodcastLikeIts #WMovie #ElectionDay #GeorgeWBush #PoliticalDrama #PodcastCommunityPatreon: http://patreon.com/PodcastlikeitsTwitter: http://twitter.com/podcastlikeitsInstagram: http://instagram.com/podcastlikeitsReddit: http://reddit.com/r/podcastlikeits
  • 14: Chocolat with Caroline Framke

    01:39:03|
    šŸ« This week on Podcast Like It's.., weā€™re indulging in the sweet and sensuous world of Chocolat! Hosts are joined by the brilliant Caroline Framke (@cdframke ) to talk about this charming, feel-good film that blends romance, food, and a touch of magic. Set in a small French village, Chocolat explores how one womanā€™s love for chocolate changes the lives of those around herā€”and weā€™re here to break down why this movie continues to be such a delicious treat.ā£From its mouth-watering visuals to its themes of acceptance, desire, and community, we discuss why Chocolat is the perfect cinematic comfort food. šŸ·āœØ Plus, weā€™ll dive into Juliette Binocheā€™s captivating performance, Johnny Deppā€™s surprising role, and the filmā€™s unique commentary on tradition versus temptation.Donā€™t miss this sweet conversation! šŸŽ§šŸ« #Chocolat #PodcastLikeIts #MovieTalk #ComfortMovies #FoodInFilm #CarolineFramke #PodcastCommunityPatreon: http://patreon.com/PodcastlikeitsTwitter: http://twitter.com/podcastlikeitsInstagram: http://instagram.com/podcastlikeitsReddit: http://reddit.com/r/podcastlikeits
  • 13: The Descent with Clarke Wolfe

    01:37:10|
    šŸ¦‡ This week on Podcast Like It's.., weā€™re descending into the dark and terrifying world of The Descent! Hosts are joined by horror expert Clarke Wolfe to explore this claustrophobic 2005 horror classic that still sends shivers down our spines. Directed by Neil Marshall, The Descent is a brutal and intense journey that combines deep cave diving with even deeper fearsā€”both psychological and primal.In this episode, we break down why The Descent remains one of the most effective horror films of the 2000s, from its all-female cast to its masterful use of tension and gore. šŸ–¤ Clarke helps us unpack the filmā€™s themes of trauma, survival, and friendship, and we explore how it taps into our most basic fears of darkness, isolation, and the unknown.Donā€™t miss this thrilling dive into horror! šŸŽ§šŸ¦‡ #TheDescent #ClarkeWolfe #PodcastLikeIts #HorrorMovies #SurvivalHorror #PodcastCommunity #MovieTalk #ClaustrophobiaĀ Patreon: Get more from Podcast Like It's... on PatreonĀ Twitter: Podcast Like It's... (@PodcastLikeIts) on XĀ Instagram: Instagram (@podcastlikeits)Ā Reddit: http://reddit.com/r/podcastlikeits
  • 12: The Orphanage with Ashley Lyle

    01:13:02|
    šŸ‘» This week on Podcast Like It's.., weā€™re stepping into the eerie world of The Orphanage! šŸŽ­ Hosts are joined by the brilliant Ashley Lyle (Yellowjackets) to discuss this hauntingly beautiful Spanish horror film. Directed by J.A. Bayona and produced by Guillermo del Toro, The Orphanage is more than just a ghost storyā€”itā€™s a heart-wrenching tale of grief, motherhood, and the terrifying lengths one woman will go to find her lost child. ā£In this episode, we unpack the filmā€™s emotional depth, its spine-chilling scares, and how it blends supernatural horror with devastating human drama. šŸ–¤šŸ’€Tune in for a discussion on why The Orphanage continues to be one of the most moving and terrifying films in modern horror.ā£Patreon: http://patreon.com/PodcastlikeitsTwitter: http://twitter.com/podcastlikeitsInstagram: http://instagram.com/podcastlikeitsReddit: http://reddit.com/r/podcastlikeits