Podcast Like It's ...

Phil and Emily continue our Patreon mini series on Oscar-winning Best Director follow-ups from the 2000s with Peter Jackson’s ambitious epic King Kong. Joined by critic, screenwriter, and podcaster Drew McWeeny, they revisit Jackson’s sprawling remake of the 1933 classic and unpack how the film reflects both his greatest strengths and his boldest excesses in the wake of The Lord of the Rings.From Naomi Watts’s luminous performance to the groundbreaking visual effects that brought Kong to life, they discuss how Jackson poured his lifelong obsession into a film that feels both deeply personal and unwieldy in scope. The conversation explores Kong’s emotional depth, the film’s place in mid-2000s blockbuster culture, and why its mix of grandeur and messiness makes it one of the most fascinating entries in Jackson’s career.If you want more exclusive deep-dive episodes, Q&As, and mini series, support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/PodcastLikeIts.

Phil and Emily continue their mini series on Oscar-winning Best Director follow-ups from the 2000s with Oliver Twist (2005), Roman Polanski’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic. They’re joined by writer and producer Bryan Cogman, who may be one of the few people to have actually seen the film in theaters.The conversation dives into Polanski’s unexpected choice to follow The Pianist with this family-oriented Dickens adaptation, why it feels strangely muted compared to both the director’s darker films and other Dickens adaptations, and how Ben Kingsley’s nuanced turn as Fagin stands out amidst an otherwise flat production. Together, they unpack Dickens’ enduring influence, the many Oliver Twist adaptations across history, and how this version fits into Polanski’s complicated legacy and the cinematic landscape of 2005.If you want more deep-dive discussions, exclusive mini series, and bonus content, join our Patreon at patreon.com/PodcastLikeIts.

Phil and Emily continue their miniseries on Oscar winning Best Director follow ups from the 2000s with Ron Howard’s The Missing. With guest Patrick Cotnoir (The George Lucas Talk Show), they revisit this overlooked Western thriller starring Cate Blanchett and Tommy Lee Jones.The discussion explores Blanchett’s powerful performance, Jones’ turn as an estranged father, Daniel Craig’s early role, and why the film faded from memory despite prestige ambitions after A Beautiful Mind. They also look at Ron Howard’s career pivots and the awards landscape of the early 2000s.For exclusive episodes and bonus content, join at patreon.com/PodcastLikeIts.

Phil and Emily continue their miniseries on Oscar winning Best Director follow ups from the 2000s with Road to Perdition, Sam Mendes’ ambitious second feature after American Beauty. Joining them is film journalist and podcaster Blake Howard (One Heat Minute Productions), who helps unpack the film’s technical brilliance, subdued emotional core, and unique place in early 2000s cinema.Together, they dive into Mendes’ leap from stage to screen, the film’s striking cinematography from Conrad Hall, and how Tom Hanks’ against type performance reshaped audience expectations. The conversation explores Paul Newman’s final live action role, Jude Law’s scene stealing menace, and Daniel Craig’s early career turn as one of cinema’s most dangerous nepo babies. They also debate Thomas Newman’s Oscar nominated score, the film’s release strategy, and how it stands among Mendes’ eclectic career from Jarhead to Skyfall and beyond.With insights ranging from Jude Law’s underrated presence to the legacy of Paul Newman and Tom Hanks’ evolving star persona, this episode is both a reconsideration of a Depression era gangster story and a reflection on the pressures of following up an Oscar winning debut.

Phil and Emily continue their miniseries on Oscar-winning Best Director follow-ups from the 2000s with Steven Soderbergh’s effortlessly cool Ocean’s 11. Joined by screenwriter Liz Hannah and producer Brian Millikin, they unpack how this slick, stylish remake redefined the modern heist film. From its razor-sharp script and effortless ensemble chemistry to Soderbergh’s precision, tonal balance, and inventive production choices, the discussion explores how Ocean’s 11 rose above formula to become a timeless crowd-pleaser. Along the way, they dive into character dynamics, behind-the-scenes decisions, and the film’s lasting place in early 2000s cinema—all while celebrating the undeniable charm of Clooney, Pitt, and company.If you enjoy this episode and want even more deep-dive film discussions, exclusive mini-series, and bonus content, join our Patreon community at patreon.com/PodcastLikeIts.

We are kicking off a brand new miniseries on Oscar-winning Best Director follow-up films from the 2000s, starting with Steven Spielberg’s bold and deeply divisive “A.I. Artificial Intelligence.” TV critic and Vulture writer Roxana Hadadi joins Phil and Emily for a wide-ranging conversation that digs into the movie’s legacy, Kubrick’s influence, and how the film hit differently post-Oscars and post-9/11.They dive into the unique collaboration and friendship between Kubrick and Spielberg, how “A.I.” bridges fairy tale and sci-fi, and what it means for love, grief, and humanity to be filtered through the eyes of a robot boy. The group explores how the film’s themes of artificial intelligence, the uncanny valley, and the pursuit of parental love feel even more relevant today in a world grappling with AI and rapid technological change.Other topics include Haley Joel Osment’s incredible performance, Jude Law’s scene-stealing Gigolo Joe, the eerie brilliance of Teddy, and why this film has remained both underappreciated and deeply beloved by fans. They also talk about the Oscars’ resistance to science fiction, the film’s release in a world still haunted by 9/11, and the surprising emotional impact the film has had on different audiences, including its resonance with the trans community.It is a deep dive into one of Spielberg’s most complex and haunting films, a movie that still raises questions about love, loss, technology, and what it means to be human.Follow Roxana Hadadi on Instagram: @roxana.z.hadadiWant even more? Join our Patreon at patreon.com/c/Podcastlikeits for exclusive episodes, early access, live Q&As, member polls, bonus interviews, and a behind-the-scenes look at how the show is made. Unlock more content and join a community of true movie lovers.#PodcastLikeIts2000s #AIArtificialIntelligence #StevenSpielberg #RoxanaHadadi #FilmPodcast #MoviePodcast #PodcastRecommendation #SpotifyPodcasts #SciFiMovies #Kubrick #OscarWinners #HaleyJoelOsment #JudeLaw #Vulture #FilmDiscussion #Cinephile #BehindTheScenes #PatreonExclusive #MovieCommunity #FilmHistory #PodcastSpotlight

Emily and Phil close out their “Films of the Todds” mini series, spotlighting the distinct visions of Haynes, Phillips, Solondz, and Field, with a thoughtful conversation about Todd Solondz’s darkly comic Life During Wartime (2009). Joining them is film critic and podcaster Chris Feil, who brings sharp insight to this follow-up to Happiness and its meditation on forgiveness, trauma, and the ways the past lingers in the present.They explore Solondz’s unique approach to recasting characters, the film’s blend of biting humor and discomfort, and how Life During Wartime stands apart in the landscape of late-2000s indie cinema. The episode also reflects on what this film reveals about Solondz’s legacy, and why the “Todds” mini series is such a fascinating journey through some of the boldest voices in American film.Thank you for joining Emily and Phil on this mini series ride.#PodcastLikeIts2000s #LifeDuringWartime #ToddSolondz #ChrisFeil #FilmPodcast #IndieFilm #2000sMovies #FilmDiscussion

Emily and Phil continue their “Films of the Todds” mini series, exploring the work of Haynes, Phillips, Solondz, and Field. This week, they take a look at Todd Phillips’ culture-shifting comedy The Hangover. Joining them is writer and cultural critic Jude Ellison Doyle, who brings a sharp, thoughtful perspective to one of the 2000s most talked-about comedies.Together, they discuss how The Hangover redefined studio comedy, the film’s wild storytelling and breakout performances, and how its humor and reputation have aged in the years since its release. They dig into the movie’s massive box office impact, the rise of the “wolf pack,” and how Todd Phillips’ sensibilities changed the direction of mainstream comedy.Whether you love or cringe at its legacy, this conversation breaks down what made The Hangover such a phenomenon and what it tells us about the era it came from.#PodcastLikeIts2000s #TheHangover #ToddPhillips #JudeEllisonDoyle #ComedyMovies #FilmPodcast #2000sMovies #FilmDiscussion

Emily and Phil continue their “Films of the Todds” mini series as they take on Todd Haynes’s ambitious and unconventional biopic I’m Not There. They are joined by film critic and podcaster Ryan Marker for a conversation about this multi-layered portrait of Bob Dylan, identity, and the myth of American celebrity.Together, they break down the film’s innovative structure, discuss Cate Blanchett’s acclaimed performance and the daring decision to cast six actors as different facets of Dylan, and examine how Haynes’s storytelling approach turns biography into a surreal and poetic experience. The episode also explores the film’s music, visual style, and its place in both Haynes’s career and the larger tradition of rock and roll cinema.#PodcastLikeIts2000s #ImNotThere #ToddHaynes #RyanMarker #BobDylan #CateBlanchett #FilmPodcast #2000sMovies #MusicFilms #MovieDiscussion