In Reel Deep

What Does Paramount Buying WB Mean for the Movies?

Steve Cimino and Andrew E. Johnson — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Now that Paramount, not Netflix, has won the bidding for Warner Bros. Discovery, what does it mean for the future of the movies? And why did the company behind recent hits like Sinners, One Battle After Another, Minecraft, Wuthering Heights, and more insist on being sold?

Join us as we discuss the horrors of late capitalism and what the slow decline--but not death--of the theatrical experience might mean for film buffs everywhere.

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Picking the Best of 2025

Andrew E. Johnson and Steve Cimino — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:00:00 GMT

A few days ago, we kept our tradition and unveiled our favorite movies of the past year. Now it’s time to pick our absolute favorite of 2025, and with the commercial success and critical acclaim of the likes of One Battle After Another and Sinners, it’s no simple task.

Thankfully, we’ve got more than a decade worth of experience doing this and we basked in a bunch of great movies all the live long year.

Find out which topped our list and along the way enjoy a deep, serpentine discussion about the cinema that stood out and left an impression.

Timeline

00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings01:23 Reflecting on the Year in Movies09:54 Favorite Beverages and Listener Shoutouts13:39 Diving into the Best Movies of the Year14:01 Unexpected Movie Highlights28:24 Breaking Down Cynicism in French New Wave Cinema29:32 Exploring Unconventional Films and Performances30:10 Debating the Merits of After the Hunt and Bugonia37:45 The Polarizing Life of Chuck and Its Unique Appeal40:49 Celebrating Genuine and Earnest Storytelling42:29 Top Four Films of the Year: An Overview59:42 Leo’s Versatility and Performance in One Battle After Another01:01:59 The Propulsive Nature of One Battle After Another01:03:50 Sean Penn’s Unbelievable Performance01:05:17 Benicio Del Toro vs. Sean Penn: Best Supporting Actor Debate01:10:34 Ryan Coogler’s Sinners: A Box Office Hit01:18:12 Michael B. Jordan’s Dual Role and Performance01:27:55 The Joy of Cinema and Final Thoughts

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The Best Movies of 2024

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 08:00:00 GMT

We're back once again to discuss the top movies of 2024! From buzzy films like Anora and Challengers to low-key gems like My Old Ass and Red Rooms, plus big-budget masterpieces like Dune Part Two, it's a top-to-bottom recap of another fine year at the cinema.

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The Best Movies of 2023

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 08:00:34 GMT

We're back to discuss the top movies of 2023! Oppenheimer, Anatomy of a Fall, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, or The Holdovers: Which film was our pick for the best of the year? We're also talking Barbie, Napoleon, Beau Is Afraid, and the sudden (and exciting) downturn of the MCU.

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The Best Movies of 2022

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 08:00:13 GMT

We're back, again! Just ahead of the Oscars, Andrew and Steve return to discuss their top 10 films of 2022. What will be their no. 1? Will Lydia Tár dominate the charts, or is Elvis back from the dead and ready to win gold? What about Decision to Leave, Park Chan-wook's romantic cop thriller? And don't forget Avatar: The Way of Water and Top Gun: Maverick! Join us as we discuss dozens of the hit movies from last year.

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The Best Movies of 2021

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 07:00:55 GMT

We're back! Now that the 2022 Oscars and The Slap are history, we thought there was no better time to reanimate the In Reel Deep Podcast and highlight our own choices for the finest films of 2021. Join us as we discuss the state of cinema now that theaters have reopened and go through our top 10 lists to choose a movie of the year. The Power of the Dog, The Last Duel, West Side Story: Which one will be No. 1? The only way to find out is to listen!

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The Best Movies of 2020

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 08:00:00 GMT

Bacurau. Da 5 Bloods. Mank. First Cow. Which of those four 2020 releases was the finest film of the year? As has become tradition on the In Reel Deep Podcast, we gather to discuss our recent best of 2020 list and choose a favorite from the year that was. Also, we share a big announcement concerning the future of the podcast and of InReelDeep.com.

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It's a Wonderful Life

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 08:00:00 GMT

We're wrapping up our 2020 journey through Christmas movies with a bang: It's a Wonderful Life, the 1946 masterpiece that's both a holiday classic and an all-time wonderful film. In a slight twist for our December episodes, we get in real (reel) deep and speculate about director Frank Capra's message, star Jimmy Stewart's acting prowess, and whether a light Christmas touch makes for better films overall.

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Anna and the Apocalypse

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 08:00:00 GMT

What exactly is a "British Christmas zombie musical film"? Why, Anna and the Apocalypse, of course! This little-seen 2017 genre mash-up is next on our journey through December-centric movies; is it a new holiday classic, or just a weird, fun departure from the usual Christmas fare?

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A Christmas Story

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 08:00:00 GMT

It's a Christmas classic that came out in 1983, lovingly depicted 1940s pre-war holiday magic, and as of 2020 still airs for 24 hours straight in late December. It's A Christmas Story, and it's as good as you remember. We discuss which member of the Parker family is the MVP, our top 5 favorite scenes, and how this movie somehow defies being remade.

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The Princess Switch: Switched Again

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 08:00:00 GMT

I've heard of one Vanessa Hudgens, even two Vanessa Hudgenses, but THREE Vanessa Hudgenses?! That's the premise of The Princess Switch: Switched Again, the 2020 sequel to the possibly beloved Netflix movie about...princesses who switch. The original was certainly a Christmas movie; what about this one? Does it feel you with holiday cheer, or is it yet another cash-grab mess that lazily equates Christmas with love? Join us and find out.

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Christmas (Movies) in the Time of Covid

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 08:00:00 GMT

It's the holiday season! And we're back to talk holly jolly Christmas movies. Our December to Remember guru Sam Johnson returns as well to assign us several options for this month of wintry mayhem; some are classics and some, well, are nightmares. What are the flicks we'll be enjoying during this Covid Christmas? You've got to listen to find out.

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Citizen Kane

Andrew E. Johnson — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 08:00:00 GMT

For our very special 100th episode, there was only one film we wanted to cover: Orson Welles' Citizen Kane. Widely regarded as the best movie ever made, Kane is a masterpiece, and timelier than ever in the era of President Donald Trump. We break down its origins, its impact, and why Welles' work stands the test of time when so many other movies from that era do not.

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A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 08:00:00 GMT

We've reached the end of our journey through the selected filmography of Tom Hanks: 2019's A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, also known as The Mr. Rogers Movie. It's Tom's first true supporting role in quite a while, and it earned him an Oscar nomination for his trouble. What does this film's success mean for the future of Hanks? And what was our favorite Tom film to revisit? Join us for a podcasting farewell to America's last great movie star.

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Alien(s)

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 07:00:00 GMT

There may not be a better one-two cinematic combo than 1979's Alien and 1986's Aliens. Ridley Scott's masterpiece melded sci-fi and horror like peanut butter and jelly, and James Cameron's follow-up is a fantastic action film that cemented Sigourney Weaver as a star among stars. To celebrate October, that classic month of horror, we're revisiting those magic moments when the xenomorph burst into our pop-culture consciousness.

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The Da Vinci Code

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 07:00:00 GMT

The Da Vinci Code came out to great fanfare in 2006, followed by two relatively successful sequels, yet we still have no idea why Tom Hanks decided to play Robert Langdon. Best-case scenario is "nerdy Indiana Jones," and this is far from the best case. As we near the end of our jaunt through Tom's filmography, we examine the reasons why this bland, useless, 149-minute monstrosity not only made it to the silver screen but grossed $760 million worldwide.

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The Terminal

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 07:00:00 GMT

Medicine for goat! Our trip through the Tom Hanks filmography has led us to 2004's The Terminal, without a doubt the oddest Hanks/Steven Spielberg team-up. Tom's beyond charming as Krakozhia's Viktor Navorski, but in retrospect this was the beginning of the end of his run as a no-doubt box office superstar. Join us as we dissect why the two Hollywood titans made this film and then cringe at the idea of watching a Robert Langdon movie next.

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Inside Job, Margin Call, and the 2008 Financial Crisis

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 07:00:00 GMT

The last time the world's economy tanked, back in 2008, it wasn't because of a global pandemic. It was because a handful of billionaires, mostly Americans, decided to rig our financial system for their benefit. As a result, trillions of dollars were lost, the planet spun into economic ruin, and few — if any — people stood trial for their crimes. Those crimes were captured in the documentary Inside Job and the drama Margin Call; we've brought self-taught financial crisis whiz Dr. Chris back on the pod to dissect how those two films depicted what might be the greatest crime humans have ever committed.

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Cast Away

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 07:00:00 GMT

Next up in our Tom Hanks miniseries? 2000's Cast Away, also known as the apex of his storied acting career. At the turn of the century, there was no one bigger than Hanks, which is why a movie where his costars are Helen Hunt, Nick Searcy and a volleyball made $420 million worldwide and got him an Oscar nomination. Join us as we break down what makes this Robert Zemeckis survival film so special.

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No Country for Old Men

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 07:00:00 GMT

We've reached the end of our crime miniseries, and we're going out with a bang: 2007's No Country for Old Men, perhaps the shiniest gem in the Coen brothers' catalog. Beyond a life-changing performance from Javier Bardem and some of the tensest scenes you'll ever see, this film has plenty to say about crimes and the people who commit them. Join as we break down one of the rare Best Picture winners that the Oscars got right.

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The Green Mile / You've Got Mail

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 07:00:00 GMT

Our journey through the Tom Hanks filmography originally led us down The Green Mile, but over the course of 189 minutes of supposed movie magic we realized that it...wasn't very good. So we called an audible; not only are you getting some Frank Darabont banter but we're also returning to Nora Ephron and Meg Ryan to discuss You've Got Mail as well. Did we like it more than the much-maligned Sleepless in Seattle? You'll have to join us to find out.

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Seven

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 07:00:00 GMT

Our journey through crime films continues with David Fincher's Seven, the 1995 thriller that still holds up despite [REDACTED] as the surprise villain. Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt remain a dynamic duo, and the script has much to say about the sins of society, messages that still ring true 25 years later. Join us as we dissect this crime classic while wondering if Pitt deserved his subsequent MTV Movie Award for Most Desirable Male.

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The Dark Knight

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 07:00:00 GMT

Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight is one of the most successful comic book movies of all time, financially and critically. But as a crime film that was clearly inspired by Michael Mann's Heat, does it hold up? Our very special guest Dr. Chris joins us once again to watch this 152-minute Batman feature and discuss why Nolan asks big questions but doesn't answer them.

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Saving Private Ryan

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 07:00:00 GMT

On the 76th anniversary of D-Day, our journey through the Tom Hanks filmography brings us to Saving Private Ryan. Everyone remembers Steven Spielberg's war epic for its incredible 25-minute Omaha Beach scene, but the rest of the film is just as terrific. Join us as we discuss this eclectic cast — Vin Diesel, Edward Burns, Dennis Farina, Ted Danson! — and what might be the finest Hanks performance of all time.

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Heat, Revisited

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Fri, 22 May 2020 07:00:00 GMT

Does crime pay? Maybe at the box office! We're embarking on a new miniseries (sorry, Griffin and David) on modern crime films, featuring frequent special guest Dr. Chris. We'll be delving into some of the most influential and well-made crime classics of the past few decades, starting with Michael Mann's Heat. Join us as we go beyond Pacino and De Niro to discuss what makes this 172-minute epic so rewatchable and enduring.

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Apollo 13

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 18 May 2020 07:00:00 GMT

Our journey through the Tom Hanks filmography has brought us to outer space! We break down America's Dad and his quest to walk on the moon in 1995's Apollo 13, another very solid film from director Ron Howard. It's also a terrific ensemble cast, with Gary Sinise, Bill Paxton, Kathleen Quinlan, Kevin Bacon and the Oscar-nominated Ed Harris catapulting Hanks to $355 million worldwide and an almost unprecedented leading-man run to come.

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Sleepless in Seattle

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 07:00:00 GMT

Our journey through the films of Tom Hanks takes us to 1993's Sleepless in Seattle, a 1993 romcom that proves way too beloved. What's up with Meg Ryan's Annie Reed? Why is Bill Pullman's allergic wuss the most likable character in the whole movie? And is Jonah Baldwin the most insufferable, annoying child in the history of cinema? We break down this celebrated genre "masterpiece" that's actually 90 minutes of glaring flaws and a great 5-minute ending.

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A League of Their Own

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 07:00:00 GMT

We resume our journey through the career of Tom Hanks with 1992's A League of Their Own, where our rising star takes a backseat to Geena Davis and Madonna with memorable results. We discuss this stepping stone on the path to Tom Hanks becoming a true legend, the joys of watching a female-directed sports movie, how weird it is to recast all your stars with random old people for the opening and closing, and if Dottie actually dropped the ball on purpose to let Kit score.

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Turner & Hooch

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 07:00:00 GMT

It's time to talk Tom Hanks! This is the first installment a 10-episode (maybe more) deep dive into the filmography of America's Dad, starting with the 1989 cop/dog team-up Turner & Hooch. If you want to see Hanks shirtless and yelling at a real jerk of a canine, this one is for you. We also compare Tom to Harrison Ford and discuss what has made the man so damn affable for more than 30 years.

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Dune (1984)

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 07:00:00 GMT

Pending an interruption from COVID-19, Denis Villeneuve's Dune remake will hit theaters in late 2020. But before you absorb the redo, you have to debate the original; that's why we invited back friend of the show Dr. Chris who took time from his busy schedule to discuss the differences between Frank Herbert's book and David Lynch's 1984 feature film in great detail.

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The Hateful Eight

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 07:00:00 GMT

We've reached the end of Quentin Tarantino's filmography, which for us means 2015's The Hateful Eight. With Kurt Russell, Samuel L. Jackson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Walton Goggins in the cast, you'd expect another masterpiece. Unfortunately, your expectations would be incorrect. Join as we determine where Tarantino went wrong here, along with our rankings of the top QT movies, from No. 10 (or 9, depending on your Kill Bill preference) to No. 1.

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Django Unchained

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 07:00:00 GMT

We're back with more Tarantino! Saddle up your horse for this near-final ride through QT's filmography, one that features Christoph Waltz's second Oscar working with Quentin, plus a shockingly evil performance from Leonardo DiCaprio and one of Jamie Foxx's breakout lead roles. We're talking, of course, about Django Unchained, Tarantino's 2012 revisionist Western and a film we were more than happy to revisit.

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Armageddon

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 08:00:00 GMT

After 79 episodes, it's finally time to talk Armageddon. Michael Bay's 1998 masterpiece has been both acclaimed and reviled over the years; it's one of the rare big-budget films to get a Criterion Collection release, and one of the true gems in Bay's otherwise-shaky filmography. Does this ridiculous, America-loving movie hold up? Do we still love Bruce Willis as world-saver Harry Stamper? And is Aerosmith's "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" the greatest movie theme of all time? Spoiler alert: yes to all of the above.

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The Best Movies of 2019

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 08:00:00 GMT

The day is finally here; In Reel Deep is ready to crown its top movie of 2019. Will it be Parasite? Little Women? The Irishman? Once Upon a Time in Hollywood? Or The Farewell? Visit inreeldeep.com to view our list of 2019's finest films, and then join us as we decide on a true No. 1 of the year.

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And Justice for Al: The Irishman

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 08:00:00 GMT

It's finally time to discuss The Irishman, and for once in a good long while there's "solidarity!" on And Justice for Al. Beyond all the Oscar-nominated Pacino chatter, we break down what might be Martin Scorsese's last mobster movie, De Niro's creepy piercing green eyes, and maybe the best performance of Joe Pesci's career. It's what it is: it's the preeminent Al Pacino podcast.

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The 2020 Oscar Nominations

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Joker, 1917, The Irishman, Little Women, Parasite: Which of these movies is the front-runner for 2020 Best Picture? And, perhaps more importantly, did the Academy Award nominations bring additional shame upon this increasingly outdated process? If you've listened before, you know the drill: join us as we dissect the 2020 Oscar nominations and determine where the Academy went right or (more likely) wrong.

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The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 08:00:00 GMT

So it's come to this: the In Reel Deep Podcast is reviewing a holiday variety show. Kacey Musgraves has a beautiful voice and seems like a lovely person, but we're not sure she should be the host of a Christmas spectacular. Is there another universe where a special starring Kendall Jenner, Fred Armisen, and Zooey Deschanel turns out good? Was this a smart investment for Amazon Prime Video? Join us as we break down this subpar singalong.

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Klaus

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 08:00:00 GMT

If you weren't expecting much from Netflix's first original animated feature, prepare to be surprised: Klaus might just be a Christmas classic. We break down why this Santa Claus origin story from Despicable Me creator Sergio Pablos is so special, why we wish all Christmas movies could highlight holiday themes without getting cheap or lazy, and what this very fine film means for the future of Netflix.

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Noelle

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 08:00:00 GMT

Disney's new streaming service has taken the entertainment world by storm; will its first Christmas movie do the same? Though it stars the beloved Anna Kendrick and Bill Hader, Noelle feels more like one of Netflix's algorithm-fueled offerings than a Santa-centric Walt Disney classic. We kick off Christmas Month by dissecting this long-gestating mess of a motion picture.

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The (Streaming) War for Christmas

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 08:00:00 GMT

Hallmark has long been the worldwide leader in holiday movies, pumping out Christmas crap that Santa lovers everywhere eat up. But suddenly, streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime are looking to horn in on this lucrative market and steal the channel's crown. In celebration of yet another December, we've invited special guest Sam Johnson back on the podcast to force-feed us Christmas movies. What did he choose? Hint: it'll be a very streaming-centric holiday on the In Reel Deep Podcast.

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Inglourious Basterds

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 08:00:00 GMT

We've made it to what Quentin Tarantino believes to be his masterpiece, at least if you trust Brad Pitt's final line. Inglourious Basterds is a decade old and just as good as you remember; it's the film that brought Christoph Waltz, Michael Fassbender, Daniel Brühl and Mélanie Laurent into our lives, and it's undoubtedly one of QT's best. But is it as good as Pulp Fiction? Does it deserve the top spot in Tarantino's filmography? Join us as we break down this modern masterpiece.

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Death Proof

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 07:00:00 GMT

By every account, including his own, Death Proof is minor Quentin Tarantino. But that also makes it a little fascinating; when you're going through the QT filmography, how do you judge this random, Kurt Russell-led murderous endeavor? Is it a real movie, or just a fun romp with his buddy Robert Rodriguez that doesn't actually count? Join us as we break down Quentin's take on a stuntman slasher film.

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Once Upon a Time In Hollywood

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 07:00:00 GMT

We've leapt forward in our journey through Quentin Tarantino's filmography to tackle his latest: the captivating Once Upon a Time In Hollywood. Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie lead a tremendous cast that includes the famed Alfredo Pacino; as such, we've brought And Justice for Al co-star Tom onto the big show to discuss Pacino's work as Marvin Schwarzs along with all things Tarantino.

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Kill Bill

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 07:00:00 GMT

We've reached a major moment in Quentin Tarantino's filmography: Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Vol. 2. There hadn't been a QT film in 6 years when Vol. 1 came out in 2003, and we'd never think of a Tarantino movie the same way again. Does The Bride's revenge quest against David Carradine and the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad hold up in 2019? Or was it a classic example of style over substance, with his love of kung-fu insanity taking precedence over character development and narrative cohesion? Join us, Kiddo, and find out.

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Bonus Episode: Hobbs & Shaw

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 07:00:00 GMT

Our resident Fast & Furious expert Holc has returned to break down this new adrenaline-fueled blockbuster, only with a slight twist; we're bringing it to you via a special bonus episode from Steve's other podcast, Awesome Truth! It's a pro wrestling book club that also dibs into documentaries and feature films, so get ready for lots of talk about Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, John Cena joining the cast of Fast & Furious 9, and the overhyped debut of glorified extra Roman Reigns.

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Episode 69: Jackie Brown

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 07:00:00 GMT

We continue our journey through the Quentin Tarantino filmography with Jackie Brown, the 1997 crime thriller that is unlike anything QT has made before or since. It revitalized the careers of Pam Grier and Robert Forster, gave Robert De Niro one of his last truly great roles, and showed that Tarantino can write for women after all. It doesn't have the iconic aura of a Pulp Fiction or an Inglourious Basterds, but it's just as good. Join us and find out why.

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Episode 68: Pulp Fiction

Andrew E. Johnson — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 07:00:00 GMT

A Royale with cheese. Ezekiel 25:17. They speak English in What? I love you, Honey Bunny. Zed's dead, baby. We could go on for hours: Pulp Fiction may be the most quotable movie of all time, and it's next up as we journey through Quentin Tarantino's filmography. A quarter-century after its release, is it as good as we remember? Of course; it's Pulp Fiction. Join us as we debate who was better, Samuel L. Jackson or Uma Thurman, along with lots of other gushing ramblings about Tarantino's finest work.

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Bonus Episode: A 3-Year-Old Reviews Toy Story

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 07:00:00 GMT

You've heard our take on Toy Story 4 and the entire Pixar franchise; now find out what a 3-year-old girl loves (and doesn't love) about what might be the finest cinematic franchise of all time.

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Episode 67: The Toy Story Franchise

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 07:00:00 GMT

Now that Toy Story 4 has received glowing reviews, it's time to acknowledge the increasingly obvious: the Toy Story franchise might be the best in cinematic history. Is there any other quadrilogy that has been this good for this long? To appropriately dissect this classic series, the In Reel Deep guys watched all four stories about toys and showed up (mostly) ready to discuss Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang. They've got a friend in us.

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Episode 66: Reservoir Dogs

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Thu, 20 Jun 2019 07:00:00 GMT

In 1992, Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs announced the arrival of a brash new auteur, inspired a million copycats, and arguably changed American cinema. As part of our journey to Tarantino's Once Upon a Time In Hollywood, we're revisiting the director's entire filmography. We begin with Harvey Keitel, Chris Penn, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, and an infamous ear scene that is still talked about today. Let's get a taco.

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Episode 65: Deadwood: The Movie

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Fri, 07 Jun 2019 07:00:00 GMT

It took almost 13 years, but Deadwood: The Movie has arrived. To celebrate HBO somehow bringing back David Milch and maybe the greatest cast in television history, the In Reel Deep Podcast has convened to discuss Ian McShane, Gerald McRaney, Molly Parker, and everyone else who participated in this minor miracle. We also wonder if, in the age of streaming, they'll ever be a show like Deadwood again. Welcome back to f*ckin' Deadwood. It can be combative.

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Episode 64: Avengers: Endgame

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Tue, 07 May 2019 07:00:00 GMT

We're back, and we're breaking down what will likely end up being the biggest movie of all time. In this spoiler-heavy analysis of Avengers: Endgame, longtime special guest Holc returns to discuss how the Russo brothers ended Marvel's 22-movie run and how the grand finale affects Captain America, Iron Man, Black Widow, Thanos, and the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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Episode 63: 2019 Oscar Predictions

Andrew E. Johnson — Fri, 22 Feb 2019 09:00:00 GMT

We hate the Academy Awards, but we also can't stop talking about them. In what's become an In Reel Deep tradition, we break down the six big categories for 2019, including Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Picture. Along the way, we complain about how the Oscars have embarrassed themselves over and over again and continue to drift further into irrelevance. It's a good time! Join us as we dissect this blessed end to the cinematic awards season.

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Episode 62: The Best Movie of 2018

Andrew E. Johnson — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 08:00:00 GMT

BlacKkKlansman, The Favourite, First Reformed, Roma, or A Star is Born: which will be chosen as In Reel Deep's top movie of the year? If you've read our best of 2018, you know it has to be one of the five. This is not 'nam, this is blogging; there are rules. In accordance with said rules, Andrew and Steve break down their 2018 top 10 lists and then pick one of the big five as the film of the year. Join us to find out what'll join Whiplash, Creed, Moonlight, and Get Out in receiving this storied honor.

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Episode 61: The Muppet Christmas Carol

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 24 Dec 2018 08:00:00 GMT

There's no better way to end a December filled with movies than The Muppet Christmas Carol, perhaps the most adorable holiday film of all time. This Muppet masterpiece doesn't force its iconic characters onto the screen. Instead, it doles them out in story-centric doses and lets acting legend Michael Caine handle the heavy lifting; the result is a true gem for all ages. Come spend Christmas Eve with Gonzo, Rizzo, that cute little bunny, and the rest of the gang.

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Episode 60: Love Actually, Again

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 08:00:00 GMT

In December of 2017, we slaughtered Love Actually for being a terrible movie. We even insisted that it was not, in fact, a Christmas movie. Have we softened over the last year? To celebrate the Xmas holiday being just around the corner, your three yuletide buddies sat down and ranked every story in this beloved mishmosh. Who takes the top spot: Bill Nighy, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant? Listen and find out if love is, actually, all around us.

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Episode 59: Elf

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 08:00:00 GMT

This 2003 holiday classic has it all: Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel, and enough laugh-out-loud comedy goodness to lift it from "Christmas treat" to "genuinely good movie." But that doesn't mean it's perfect; what's with that ending, and those evil police horses? Despite the best wishes of Christmas lover Sam Johnson, we break down Jon Favreau's Elf and point out its (admittedly few) flaws.

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Episode 58: The Grinch Holiday Spectacular

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 08:00:00 GMT

We've pursued some ambitious projects here on the In Reel Deep Podcast, but none as time-consuming as watching 215 minutes of How the Grinch Stole Christmas adaptations. Yet that is what our holiday overlord Sam Johnson demanded, and that's what we did; we viewed the iconic 1966 television special, the 2000 live-action version with Jim Carrey, and the new 2018 animated remake with Benedict Cumberbatch, all for you dear listeners. How would we rank them? And how much do we hate Ron Howard for directing the worst of the bunch? Join us as we break down the Grinch story in detail.

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Episode 57: The Christmas Chronicles

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 08:00:00 GMT

Casting Kurt Russell as Santa Claus in The Christmas Chronicles was the coup of the holiday season for Netflix; it guaranteed everyone would be talking about his sexy DILF version of Saint Nick just as much as the movie. But is the final product worth adding to your holiday viewing rotation, or is it just a ho-hum Hallmark movie with the Captain Ron star in a lead role? Holiday Month continues all throughout December on the In Reel Deep Podcast.

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Episode 56: The War on Christmas

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 08:00:00 GMT

Some would say that we're in the middle of a War on Christmas. Sam Johnson would agree, but only in the cinematic sense. He's the In Reel Deep Podcast's holiday expert, and he's back for another December to force Christmas classics onto your hosts, specifically ones where the bad guys are out to disrupt the season. Which five timeless "classics" (plus maybe a few more) will be making the cut? Join us and find out!

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Episode 55: The Witch

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 07:00:00 GMT

A truncated Horror Month concludes with The Witch, the 2015 gem from writer-director Robert Eggers that makes 1630s New England look as horrifying as it probably was. This sleeper hit was horror done perfectly, an excellent movie that terrifies without big lazy scares. Find out why these two semi-horror fans found it to be so very captivating.

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Episode 54: A Star is Born

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 07:00:00 GMT

Bradley Cooper as director? Lady Gaga as a lead actress? A Star is Born raised a lot of eyebrows before its release, and then lowered them almost immediately by being an emotional gem of a film. But what makes the 2018 remake really special is how, if you peel back the layers of this tumultuous love story, you'll uncover a very honest dissection of power dynamics, selfishness, and addiction. We welcome a very special guest, and fan of passion and friendship, onto the podcast to talk Jackson Maine, Ally, and one of the year's best movies.

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Episode 53: Venom

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 07:00:00 GMT

Comic book fans have been waiting for Venom for years, hoping and praying that the Spider-Man frenemy would finally get a movie worthy of his backstory and popularity. But is this Ruben Fleischer-directed, Tom Hardy-starring feature what we all had in mind? We've invited Venom expert Holc back onto the show to talk symbiotes; he's our resident The Fast and the Furious/James Bond guru as well, and he has more than a few thoughts on the present and future of what looks to be a budding Sony/Marvel franchise.

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Episode 52: Hereditary

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 07:00:00 GMT

Horror Month is back on the In Reel Deep Podcast! To get things started, we're discussing 2018 horror gem Hereditary, a perpetually unsettling film that was called "a tragedy that curdles into a nightmare" by its writer-director Ari Aster. Though lacking in jump scares, this one will make you truly uncomfortable throughout. Oh yeah, and it features probably the most grisly child death in cinematic history. The spookiest month of the year is finally here.

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Episode 51: Celebrating Five Years of In Reel Deep

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 07:00:00 GMT

To celebrate In Reel Deep's kinda sorta five-year anniversary, we're revisiting a handful of recent movies we can't stop thinking about. From Creed, Brooklyn, and Nightcrawler to Moonlight, Her, and Dunkirk, these films may not have won all the awards upon release but they've absolutely stood the test of (a short amount of) time. And, of course, we can't help but also yell about a few stinkers that we remember for the wrong reasons.

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Episode 50: The Academy Award for Best Popular Film

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 04:00:00 GMT

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences just announced a new award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Film, and everyone online is losing their minds. Is the outrage justified? How will this new award impact comic book, horror, and even animated movies? And is the Academy fixing a problem that isn't even broken? An emergency episode of the In Reel Deep Podcast has been convened; join us as we rant about the Oscars in August, which is breaking new ground even for us.

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Episode 49: Disney, Netflix, MoviePass, and the Future of Film

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 07:00:00 GMT

With Disney properties like Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe dominating at the box office, and with Netflix and Amazon gobbling up smaller movies left and right, the film industry is changing before our eyes. But for better or for worse? That's the subject of Andrew's latest longform piece, and of our latest podcast. We discuss the rise (and eventual fall) of MoviePass, the ho-hum response to Solo, and what a blockbusters-only theater experience might look like.

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And Justice for Al: Paterno

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 07:00:00 GMT

The role of Joe Paterno might be Al Pacino's biggest in years, which means it's time for And Justice for Al. The three of us reconvene for a special Paterno episode, where we examine Barry Levinson's biopic and marvel at Al's ability to slip back into the understated style he once mastered. Is Paterno a worthy successor to HBO's other "story of an old white guy" films like Phil Spector and You Don't Know Jack? And could this be the beginning of one more great run for Pacino? As always, we're here to talk all things Al.

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And Justice for Al: The Recruit

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 07:00:00 GMT

The only Al Pacino-centric podcast on the Internet welcomes its first very special guest to discuss the 2003 spy thriller The Recruit. It's Pacino on the decline and Colin Farrell on the rise, for sure, but it's also a surprisingly understated Al performance in the aftermath of 9/11. Our special guest adds some academic gravitas to the proceedings as we discuss Al's role as Walter Burke and what makes the great Pacino tick.

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Episode 48: 2018 Oscar Nominations and Predictions

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 08:00:00 GMT

With the 90th Academy Awards right around the corner, it's time for the In Reel Deep Podcast to examine all of 2018's snubs and flubs. What will win Best Picture: Dunkirk, The Shape of Water, or Three Billboards? Big questions like that and smaller questions like "What in the world is going on with Best Adapted Screenplay?" will all be answered as Andrew and Steve go through the screenplay, directing, and acting nominations to determine the best of the bunch.

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Episode 47: The Best Movies of 2017

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 08:00:00 GMT

You've read our top 10 lists on InReelDeep.com; now find out why those movies made the cut. From Lady Bird to Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, the In Reel Deep Guys discuss the best films of 2017 and even choose the In Reel Deep Movie of the Year. Dunkirk or Get Out? Only one of those two 2017 cinematic gems can win the gold...

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Episode 46: Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 08:00:00 GMT

Is Star Wars: The Last Jedi the best Star Wars movie since The Empire Strikes Back? Is it the worst? All we know for sure is that it's the franchise's most divisive movie ever, and it's sparking debate among Skywalker and Solo fans everywhere. Have the In Reel Deep guys bought into the hype? Do they think Rian Johnson's entry in the saga is a stud or a dud? Join us as we dissect all things Episode VIII.

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Episode 45: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 25 Dec 2017 08:00:00 GMT

Merry Christmas! The boys brave the elements to bring Christmas Month to a close with National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, the beloved 1989 holiday comedy that has become a seasonal classic. Everyone remembers Chevy Chase's peak performance as Xmas-loving Clark Griswold, the "last true family man," but where does the movie as a whole rank on the Christmas scale of excellence? And is it beloved by our special guest, yuletide enthusiast Sam Johnson? Grab some 'nog and join us as we send the holidays off with a bang.

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Episode 44: Love Actually

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 08:00:00 GMT

Love Actually is considered a beloved holiday classic, but is it even a Christmas movie? And, more importantly, is it actually god awful? It's still Christmas Month and our special guest Sam Johnson is still with us to pick apart this 2003 romantic comedy, one that sparked a half-dozen other holiday-themed films with star-studded casts of their own. We talk about the joys of Bill Nighy and Emma Thompson, the utter waste of Laura Linney, and if everyone misremembers this movie as good. Join us for a surprising amount of grinching as we cruise toward Christmas.

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Episode 43: Arthur Christmas

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 08:00:00 GMT

Christmas Month continues on the In Reel Deep Podcast with Arthur Christmas, the unfortunately titled 2011 animated Christmas comedy that somehow made $147 million and was barely heard from again. Our Christmas movie expert loves Arthur Christmas with all his heart, though; we break down where it sits in the Christmas rankings, why it needed a signature song, and how this movie might help kids better understand Santa Claus.

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Episode 42: The True Meaning of Christmas Movies

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 08:00:00 GMT

On the heels of Horror Month, the In Reel Deep Podcast's buildup to Halloween, we're back with Christmas Month! This will be a look at all things Christmas movies; it starts with the introduction of our guest, Andrew's brother Sam Johnson. Sam is a Christmas fanatic, and he goes into excruciating detail on what makes a great Christmas movie, along with choosing the three movies we'll be watching throughout December. Join us, won't you, for this overview of Christmas movies and our march into Christmas Month.

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Episode 41: It Follows

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 07:00:00 GMT

October is just about over, which means the end of Horror Month on the In Reel Deep Podcast. But before we go, we're talking about the 2014 supernatural horror film It Follows, one of the genre's most acclaimed recent gems. With a no-name cast and a brilliant conceit, it nods to decades of horror classics without winking at its audience; it also makes slowly plodding, murderous creatures scary again. Join us, won't you, for the rare horror movie that encourages its characters to have more sex.

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Episode 40: The Thing

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 07:00:00 GMT

"Mac wants the flamethrower!" Very rarely does a quote sum up a movie quite like that line and The Thing, John Carpenter's 1982 science-fiction/horror classic. You've got bearded Kurt Russell with beautiful flowing hair; you've got Keith David, Wilford Brimley, and a terrific cast of character actors; and you've got a gore-filled, paranoia-centric monster story that still holds up today. For our latest entry in Horror Month, we travel to Antarctica with MacReady and prepare for battle with a shape-shifting alien.

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Episode 39: Rosemary's Baby

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 07:00:00 GMT

Horror Month continues on the In Reel Deep Podcast with Rosemary's Baby, the 1968 psychological horror classic from writer/director Roman Polanski. At almost 50 years old, it's horror from what feels like another world, before big scares and gore became a necessity. Mia Farrow's brilliant performance as pregnant housewife Rosemary conveys all the dread you need, yet you can also see how future directors added some blood and some makeup to its methodical build to craft their own cinematic gems. Come with us as we examine the birth of Satan's progeny.

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Episode 38: Intro to Horror

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 07:00:00 GMT

Welcome to Horror Month on the In Reel Deep Podcast! Every Monday in October, we'll be dropping new episodes that break down horror classics from three different eras. But before we get too deep into specifics, Andrew and Steve are here to discuss their horror backgrounds and where they stand on this extremely popular genre. What makes a horror movie? What are their favorite horror movies? And what makes this one of the more flexible, versatile movie classifications out there? This is Intro to Horror, the spookiest class at In Reel Deep University.

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And Justice for Al: ...And Justice for All

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Thu, 05 Oct 2017 07:00:00 GMT

We've finally made it to this podcast's namesake: the 1979 courtroom drama ...And Justice for All. It earned Al Pacino an Oscar nomination and made "You're out of order!" one of the more famous movie quotes of all time; it's also a film that feels very much of the late 1970s yet focuses on progressive themes along the way. Transgender rights, wrongful imprisonment, the inequities of the criminal justice system: Pacino's Arthur Kirkland tackles them all, when he's not dodging plates or flying in helicopters. Join us as we tackle one of the odder movies in the And Justice for Al series.

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Episode 37: Sully and The Accountant

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 07:00:00 GMT

Let the In Reel Deep Podcast take you back to the glory days of September and October of 2016, when directors Clint Eastwood and Gavin O'Connor brought us Sully and The Accountant, respectively. Why are we revisiting a Tom Hanks pilot biopic and Ben Affleck's autistic math whiz/killing machine? Because we love slightly bad, slightly good movies, and it doesn't get more bad/good than these two. So join us, friends, as we talk Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger and Christian Wolff until we're blue in the face.

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Episode 36: Casablanca

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 07:00:00 GMT

Casablanca is widely regarded as one of the best films of all time. One of our hosts has seen it; the other has not. So of course Andrew and Steve decided to do a before-and-after podcast, sharing pre- and post-viewing thoughts on Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains, and a smorgasbord of quotable lines that make both committed fans and newcomers squeal with delight. Welcome to World War II-era Morocco.

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Episode 35: Alien: Covenant

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 22 May 2017 07:00:00 GMT

Alien: Covenant or Prometheus 2? Ridley Scott is back with what's essentially a sequel to his polarizing 2012 Alien semi-prequel; if you think that's confusing, wait until you see the movie. Steve welcomes a special guest and Alien lover to the podcast to chat about Michael Fassbender's dual performance, Scott's uneven filmography and late-career recommitment to the Alien cinematic universe, and if anyone out there actually wants all this Xenomorph backstory.

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Episode 34: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 15 May 2017 07:00:00 GMT

The world embraced Guardians of the Galaxy more than any other Marvel movie not named The Avengers; how does everyone feel about Vol. 2? Steve brings on famed television producer Walt Schwenk as a special guest to examine where this space adventure ranks among the Marvel Cinematic Universe pantheon, and if Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Zoe Saldana and company have succeeded in recapturing the magic of the original.

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Episode 33: The Fate of the Furious

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 07:00:00 GMT

The eighth entry in the Fast & Furious franchise is here, and the In Reel Deep Podcast is back to cover it in detail. To celebrate and analyze every bicep and explosion that The Fate of the Furious offers up, superfan Holc has returned to provide his expert opinion on Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's giant muscles, Jason Statham's magnetic charm, the movie's deep stable of ass-kicking bald men, and whether Vin Diesel remains fully invested in the Furious franchise he's built.

The theme music for this episode is a piano and violin cover of "See You Again" by Alison Sparrow.

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Episode 32: Oscar Night and the Best of 2016

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 08:00:00 GMT

The stars were out at the 2017 Academy Awards, though it'll likely only be remembered for Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway flubbing the Best Picture announcement live on stage. But the other eight hundred hours of Oscar featured deserving winners galore; Andrew and Steve run through all the recipients, including new foes La La Land and Moonlight, before getting to their best of 2016 recap. Did one of the beloved 2017 Oscar favorites also win In Reel Deep's Best Movie of 2016? Find out on this gold-plated episode.

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And Justice for Al: Any Given Sunday

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 08:00:00 GMT

Just in time for Super Bowl 51, the Internet's finest Al Pacino podcast revisits the football opus Any Given Sunday. Oliver Stone's frenetic ode to the pigskin features perhaps the most famous Pacino monologue of all time; it also offers a bevy of naked ladies, drug use, and a car being chopped in half via chainsaw. And tucked away, surprisingly, are progressive comments on football culture that remain relevant 18 years later. So strap on the pads, do a line in the bathroom with Lawrence Taylor and LL Cool J, and join us on the virtual gridiron.

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Episode 31: 2017 Oscar Nominations

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 08:00:00 GMT

Nominations for the 89th Academy Awards have been announced, and movie fans everywhere have already started debating about who's going to win on February 26. And, as always, In Reel Deep is no exception. Andrew and Steve break down the Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Actress races in an attempt to determine if La La Land, Casey Affleck, and Emma Stone really are locks to take home Oscar gold.

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Episode 30: La La Land

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 08:00:00 GMT

Damien Chazelle blew audiences away with Whiplash, but can he really rejuvenate the musical? According to Andrew and Steve, the answer is a resounding yes. On this episode of the In Reel Deep Podcast, we examine the picture-perfect chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, along with Chazelle's terrific technical work and Justin Hurwitz's score, that brought La La Land a ton of Golden Globes and perhaps just as many Oscars to come.

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And Justice for Al: Mr. Pacino Goes to Washington

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 08:00:00 GMT

Only the finest contributors to American culture receive the Kennedy Center Honors, which is why it's no surprise that Al Pacino was (finally) honored in 2016. To celebrate this special occasion, and to pore over the accompanying Washington Post profile, Andrew and Steve convene a special episode of And Justice for Al to delve into Mr. Pacino's career on the cusp of his visit to Washington, DC.

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Episode 29: Christmas with the Home Alone Franchise

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 08:00:00 GMT

"Kevin!" "Look what ya did, ya little jerk." "I'm gonna kill that kid!" The exclamations from Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York are quite memorable, but what exactly powered these two movies to become Christmas sensations for an entire generation? And how weird is it to see Joe Pesci in a holiday movie for kids?

On a special holiday episode of the In Reel Deep Podcast, Andrew and Steve follow Kevin McCallister, Harry, Marv, Uncle Frank, and the rest of the gang on an adventure from Chicago to Paris to New York and back again. Because it's not really the holidays until John Candy is playing the clarinet. Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal.

Special holiday theme provided by Pitx from ccMixter.

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And Justice for Al: The Devil's Advocate

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 08:00:00 GMT

"I'm a fan of man!" Fans of Al Pacino's more showy roles regard The Devil's Advocate as a wildly entertaining gem with several fantastic Pacino monologues. For others, it's an bombastic, overacted mess that exposes all worst elements of Al. What does the In Reel Deep team think? The latest episode of And Justice for Al dives into Taylor Hackford's 1997 drama, including skewering Keanu Reeves, comparing Craig T. Nelson to Donald Trump, and wondering how a movie like this made over $150 million worldwide.

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Episode 28: Arrival

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 15:00:00 GMT

Every year seems to offer its own 'smart' science-fiction movie: Gravity, Interstellar, The Martian, and now Arrival. But does Denis Villeneuve's pre-Blade Runner foray into sci-fi shine like those Oscar-nominated blockbusters? Or does a terrific Amy Adams performance and a top-notch Jóhann Jóhannsson score cover up some serious character and story flaws? You don't have to understand Heptapod to enjoy this latest episode of the In Reel Deep Podcast!

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Episode 27: Moonlight and the 2016 Election

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 17:00:00 GMT

Barry Jenkins's Moonlight has been wowing critics across the country with its beautiful, poignant depiction of what it's like to grow up black, poor, and gay in Miami. And with the election of Donald Trump, it's taken on a whole new meaning for those trying to find their place in an oft-hateful world. We break down Moonlight's Oscar chances and the power of truly brilliant filmmaking in the latest episode of the In Reel Deep Podcast.

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And Justice for Al: Heat

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 07:00:00 GMT

It's finally here: Al Pacino versus Robert De Niro, squaring off in Michael Mann's renowned crime drama Heat. But is Pacino's insanely quotable performance as Lt. Vincent Hanna good, or just another example of Al's descent into bombastic screaming? And what happens when Pacino is clearly upstaged by his long-time rival De Niro? We examine every inch of Heat on the latest episode of the Internet's best (and maybe only) Al Pacino podcast!

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Episode 26: Stranger Things

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 07:00:00 GMT

Netflix's Stranger Things is perhaps the entertainment of the summer; from Winona Ryder's resurgence to how it borrows so genuinely from Steven Spielberg and Stephen King, it's classic storytelling done right. What it also does is blur the line between cinema and television; in five years, will it matter what's streaming and what's in theaters? That's the question we attempt to answer on this episode of the In Reel Deep Podcast, as we examine what the Duffer Brothers hath brought us.

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Episode 25: Suicide Squad

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 08 Aug 2016 07:00:00 GMT

After months of hype, Suicide Squad has hit theaters. And, unfortunately, it's a bit of a trainwreck. What's wrong with the DC Extended Universe? How can a villain team-up starring Will Smith and Margot Robbie be such a letdown? Is Jared Leto's Joker really that bad? And how does this impact the upcoming Wonder Woman and Justice League? Steve sits down with a DC movie mega fan (yes, one actually exists) to examine every inch of what went sour with David Ayer's supposed "Dirty Dozen with supervillains."

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And Justice for Al: Donnie Brasco

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 07:00:00 GMT

Once upon a time, Johnny Depp played characters other than weirdos in makeup. And Al Pacino's acting was more than vigorous yells. We're taking you back to the magical days of 1997, before The Sopranos changed how mob stories were told. The movie is Donnie Brasco, the podcast is And Justice for Al, and it's time to learn the true meaning of "fuhgettaboutit."

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And Justice for Al: Danny Collins

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 07:00:00 GMT

Al Pacino sings. And dances. And does too much cocaine, and hunts for his long-lost son, and attempts to charm Annette Bening via piano tunes. What more could we ask for? On the latest episode of And Justice for Al, the only Pacino-centric podcast on the internet, the In Reel Deep team examines the Golden Globe-nominated Danny Collins and wonders whose bright idea it was to cast the aging Scarface star as a musician.

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Episode 24: Captain America: Civil War

Andrew E. Johnson — Mon, 16 May 2016 07:00:00 GMT

Marvel's latest adventure has hit screens everywhere, and it's a big one. Captain America versus Iron Man, Spider-Man versus Falcon, Ant-Man versus Vision: all your favorites are facing off in Captain America: Civil War. To break it all down, Steve brought a special guest to the In Reel Deep Podcast; they analyze the Marvel Studios plan going forward and compare Civil War to the oft-maligned Batman v Superman.

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And Justice for Al: Scarface

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 07:00:00 GMT

Even if you haven't seen Scarface, you know Tony Montana. Al Pacino's iconic Cuban gangster has been quoted in hip-hop lyrics and plastered on dorm walls for the last two decades. But is Brian De Palma's movie any good? And what makes Al's performance so divisive? Those sorts of questions can only be answered on And Justice for Al, the best Pacino podcast on the World Wide Web.

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And Justice for Al: The Godfather Part II

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 07:00:00 GMT

We're back for another round of And Justice for Al, the only Al Pacino-centric podcast on the Internet (that I am aware of). Now it's time for the good stuff: probably Pacino's finest performance, The Godfather Part II. You've all seen it, you all love it; hear Andrew and Steve wax poetic about John Cazale, Francis Ford Coppola, whoever played Merle, and of course, Mr. Pacino himself.

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Episode 23: 2016 Oscars Preview

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 10:00:00 GMT

The 88th Academy Awards are here! Try to hold back your excitement. We all know that Steve and Andrew are ho-hum when it comes to the Oscars, but that didn't stop them from debating Sylvester Stallone, The Revenant, Jóhann Jóhannsson, Adam McKay, and all of the other hot Oscar topics that the film industry forces themselves to buzz about every year. Head to that red carpet; it's awards time, baby.

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And Justice for Al: Glengarry Glen Ross

Andrew Johnson and Steve Cimino — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 15:04:17 GMT

You've loved the In Reel Deep Podcast; now it's time for And Justice for Al, a monthly audio miniseries where the topic is always Al Pacino. Pacino, of course, is one of the most decorated and beloved actors of all time. Steve thinks he's a genius; Andrew is a little on the fence. And a series of guest stars will weigh in with their two cents throughout 2016. We begin our examination of Al's career with a moment where his path split into two roads, and he took the one more traveled: Glengarry Glen Ross.

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