Podcast Like It's ...

57: The Missing with Patrick Cotnoir

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

56: Road to Perdition with Blake Howard

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

55: Ocean’s 11 with Liz Hannah & Brian Millikin

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

54: A.I. with Roxana Hadadi

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

53: Life During Wartime with Chris Feil

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.