Filmspotting: Streaming Video Unit (SVU)

When the story of a movie’s financing and troubled post-production are more compelling than the movie itself, you’ve got problems. And in this case, you’ve got Desert Warrior, a 7th-century, Saudi Arabia-set — and financed — epic starring Anthony Mackie along with Sir Ben Kingsley and Sharlto Copley. Matt and Jordan review the Rupert Wyatt-directed curiosity, and use the film to recommend an American desert-set indie from the early 2000s and another (undeservedly) unloved Rupert Wyatt film. Plus, a listener request for “sad man” movies on the Criterion Channel, and a game that has Matt and Jordan remembering - or trying to remember - summer movies from the year 2012.   Intro (00:00:00–00:04:10) Desert Warrior (00:04:11–00:31:57) Rec Seg! (00:31:58–00:48:14) Listener Request Seg! (00:48:15–01:08:01) Game: Mark My Words! (01:08:02–01:32:32) New to Streaming / Credits (01:32:33–01:42:15) Show Notes Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive⁠ https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/⁠ Pre-Order Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" (Coming October 6th):⁠https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/⁠ The Best and Worst Movies of Summer 2012 (According to Us) https://screencrush.com/best-worst-movies-summer-2012/ Feedback: Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com Follow Matt on Blue Sky: @mattsinger.bsky.social Follow Jordan on Blue Sky: @jhoffman.bsky.social Follow the Show:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠ Follow the Show:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠

🎙️ Born to the Game — Lucky Rose Kyles Legacy, Identity & Finding Your Own Voice Beyond Fame What does it mean to grow up with one of the most recognizable comedians in the world—and still have to discover who you are beyond it? In this episode of Born to the Game, Lucky Rose Kyles—founder of Pretty Lucky Lips and daughter of legendary comedian Cedric the Entertainer—opens up about growing up around fame without fully realizing it, and the journey of building confidence, identity, and independence on her own terms. From navigating friendships, boundaries, and assumptions in college, to learning how to say no and stay grounded in who she is, Lucky shares a raw and refreshing perspective on what legacy really looks like from the inside. This is an honest, uplifting conversation about identity, self-worth, creativity, and the courage to define success for yourself. 🔑 In This Episode: Growing up as Cedric the Entertainer’s daughter without realizing his global fame The moment she understood what legacy really meant Navigating friendships, boundaries, and assumptions in college The reality of being a “celebrity kid” vs. building real relationships Lessons on confidence, identity, and staying grounded How she built Pretty Lucky Lips and found her creative voice Why authenticity matters more than expectations Dating, independence, and trusting your intuition 💬 Key Takeaway: Legacy doesn’t define you—how you choose to show up does. The most powerful thing you can be is fully yourself. Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow Born to the Game: INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/borntothegamepodcast/ YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@BornToTheGamePodcast https://borntothegamepodcast.com/ Find The Show: Born To The Game Podcast

Happy Madison Productions is now cranking out movies starring two generations of Sandlers: paterfamilias Adam and daughters Sadie and Sunny. Earlier this year, Sadie starred in Netflix’s college-set Roommates, and now it’s Sunny’s turn in Don’t Say Good Luck, a tear-jerker that pairs family drama with high school musical drama. And it’s a pairing that Matt and Jordan agree works pretty well, thanks to the director Julia Hart (Fast Color, I’m Your Woman), solid work from Sandler, and a great performance by Melanie Lynskey as Sunny’s mom. Plus, a “Nepo Baby” streaming rec from Matt, and one from Jordan for a forgotten Oscar-winning Canadian film from the early 2000s. And Matt hosts another round of Portmanteau-to-Toe.   Intro (00:00:00–00:03:16) Don’t Say Good Luck (00:03:17–00:24:27) Rec Seg! Nepo Babies and Canadian Oscar-winners (00:24:28–00:39:07) Game: Portmanteau-to-Toe (00:39:08–00:58:57) Mailbag / New to Streaming / Credits (00:58:58–01:11:25) Show Notes Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive⁠ https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/⁠ Pre-Order Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" (Coming October 6th):⁠ https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/⁠ Feedback: Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com Follow Matt on Blue Sky: @mattsinger.bsky.social Follow Jordan on Blue Sky: @jhoffman.bsky.social Follow the Show:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠ Follow the Show:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠

It’s all fine and good to be sealed up in a house with Wagner Moura and Greta Lee, but the longer Netflix’s new The Last House keeps us there, the more time Matt and Jordan have for questions about the why and the how and… is that broccoli you’re growing in the floorboards, Greta? Matt and Jordan also discuss Netflix’s curious fascination with apocalyptic tales. Then, some Last House-inspired streaming recommendations (Universal Monsters! H.P. Lovecraft!) and a listener streaming request inspires recommendations for a forgotten Emma Thompson movie from the early 90s and a literary adaptation from Roger Corman. And Jordan hosts this week’s game: The Gaul of These People! Welcome/Intro (00:00:00–00:2:54) The Last House (00:2:55–00:27:17) H.P. Lovecraft and Universal Monsters (Rec Seg!) (00:27:18–00:44:30) Emma Thompson, Roger Corman, and Vincent Price (Listener Request Seg!) (00:44:31–01:03:16) MLB's Field of Dreams Game on Netflix  (01:03:17–01:09:26) Game: The Gaul of these People! (01:09:27–01:26:10) New to Streaming / Credits (01:26:11–01:31:04) Show Notes Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive⁠ https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/⁠ Pre-Order Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" (Coming October 6th):⁠ https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/⁠ Feedback: Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com Follow Matt on Blue Sky: @mattsinger.bsky.social Follow Jordan on Blue Sky: @jhoffman.bsky.social Follow the Show:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠ Follow the Show:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠

When the author of “Marvel’s Spider-Man: From Amazing to Spectacular” is the co-host of your show, you don’t avoid talking about the new Spidey movie Brand New Day just because it’s not streaming. So Matt and Jordan use the release of the movie to theorize about its massive box office, and to share some related steaming recommendations. Plus, listener requests for an unsentimental Italian film and a film that offers the same unique pleasures as Leos Carax’s uncategorizable 2012 film Holy Motors. And Producer Sam tests Matt and Jordan’s knowledge of Spider-Man villains with a game called “A Vile Menagerie.”       Matt’s Spider-Man Bona Fides + Brand New Day (00:00:00–00:25:27) Rec Seg! Brand New Day-inspired recommendations (00:25:28–00:38:45) Listener Requests: Italian Films, Movies like Holy Motors (00:38:46–00:50:16) Game: A Vile Menagerie (00:50:17–01:08:45) New to Streaming / Credits (01:08:46–01:15:33) Outtake: Jordan In Hawaii with the cast of Battleship (01:15:34–01:24:24) Show Notes Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive⁠ https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/⁠ “Marvel’s Spider-Man: from Amazing to Spectacular” https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Marvels-Spider-Man-From-Amazing-to-Spectacular/Matt-Singer/9781683837442 Pre-Order Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" (Coming October 6th):⁠ https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/⁠ Feedback: Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com Follow Matt on Blue Sky: @mattsinger.bsky.social Follow Jordan on Blue Sky: @jhoffman.bsky.social Follow the Show:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠ Follow the Show:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠

Jordan and Matt break format - and Zeus’s Law? - for an Odyssey-themed episode, including thoughts on the new blockbuster film, favorite Christopher Nolan films, and streaming recommendations inspired by the Homeric epic. And then a game, which Jordan dubs "My Big Fat Greek Filmspotting Game."    The Odyssey (00:00:00–00:23:33) #1 Nolans(00:23:34–00:47:08) Rec Seg: Odyssey-inspired recommendations (00:47:09–01:04:23) Game: My Big Fat Greek Filmspotting Game (01:04:24–01:24:05) New to Streaming / Credits (01:24:05–01:31:47) Show Notes Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive⁠ https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/⁠ Pre-Order Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" (Coming October 6th):⁠ https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/⁠ Feedback: Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com Follow Matt on Blue Sky: @mattsinger.bsky.social Follow Jordan on Blue Sky: @jhoffman.bsky.social Follow the Show:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠ Follow the Show:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠

Matt and Jordan give Hulu’s new multiverse revenge thriller Redux Redux a spin, crediting Kevin and Matthew McManus’s film for its low-budget stylishness and its central performance (by another McManus, sister Michaela). Then some Redux-inspired streaming recommendations, answers to a listener request for off-the-grid heist movies, and a game (“Multi-Box Letter-Verse”) hosted by Producer Sam. Intro / The Odyssey (00:00:00–00:11:36) Redux Redux (0:11:37–00:28:27) Rec Seg (00:28:28–00:45:35) Listener Request Recs: Off-the-Grid Heist Movies (00:45:36–01:02:42) Game: Multi-box Letter-verse (01:02:43–01:29:32) New to Streaming / Credits (01:29:33–01:38:12) Show Notes Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive⁠ https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/⁠ Pre-Order Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" (Coming October 6th):⁠ https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/⁠ Feedback: Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com Follow Matt on Blue Sky: @mattsinger.bsky.social Follow Jordan on Blue Sky: @jhoffman.bsky.social Follow the Show:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠ Follow the Show:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠

Matt and Jordan deep-dive into the free, ad-supported streaming platform Tubi. They evaluate the platform across five distinct categories: library; playback/interface; reliability; originals; and price. Plus, recommended titles to watch on Tubi, and a recommendations for a listener who is looking for a hangout comedy like semi-obscure 2005 comedy. And Producer Sam hosts this week’s game: Tubi or Not Tubi. The State of Streaming: Tubi (00:00:00–00:49:36) Rec Seg: Watch on Tubi (00:49:37–01:01:23) Listener Request Recs: Hangout Comedies (01:01:24–01:17:23) Game: Tubi or Not Tubi (01:17:24–01:38:35) New to Streaming / Credits (01:38:36–01:45:49) Show Notes Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive⁠ https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/⁠ Pre-Order Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" (Coming October 6th):⁠ https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/⁠ Alissa Quart’s “Hyperlink Cinema” in Film Forum https://static1.squarespace.com/static/549355e2e4b0a309c8cef596/t/556ca8c0e4b0ca905b2d74ef/1433184448821/QuartonHyperlink%281%29.pdf Hyperlink Cinema, a Letterboxd List https://letterboxd.com/sc_elly/list/hyperlink-films/ Handmade Films, a Letterboxd List https://letterboxd.com/studio/handmade-films/ Feedback: Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com Follow Matt on Blue Sky: @mattsinger.bsky.social Follow Jordan on Blue Sky: @jhoffman.bsky.social Follow the Show:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠ Follow the Show:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠

Matt and Jordan review Netflix’s new comedy Little Brother, which stars Eric Andre as a chaos agent who disrupts the life of a tightly wound real estate agent played by John Cena. Hijinx, nudity, and parabolas of urine ensue. Then, in Rec Seg, they offer some related streaming titles, including a musical dramedy about brothers and a classic ‘70s comedy. And in reply to a listener streaming request, a pair of international films from the early ‘60s. And Producer Sam hosts a John Cena-inspired round of trivia.    Intro, Little Brother (00:00:00–00:24:16) Rec Seg: Little Brother-Inspired Streaming Recs (00:24:17–00:39:27) Listener Request Recs for an Artsy Down Under Movie Club (00:39:28–01:00:06) Trivia: So You’ve Cen-a Lotta Movies, Have You? (01:00:07–01:24:51) New to Streaming / Credits (01:24:52–01:32:35) Show Notes Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive⁠ https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/⁠ Pre-Order Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" (Coming October 6th):⁠ https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/⁠ Feedback: Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com Follow Matt on Blue Sky: @mattsinger.bsky.social Follow Jordan on Blue Sky: @jhoffman.bsky.social Follow the Show:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠ Follow the Show:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠

Matt and Jordan check out Julian Schnabel’s In The Hand of Dante, a rare midsummer Netflix prestige picture with a stacked cast that includes Oscar Isaac, Al Pacino, Gerard Butler, John Malkovich, Jason Momoa, and Martin Scorsese as a bearded medieval sage. Despite the talent and the reliably gorgeous cinematography, Schnabel’s film might be the worst thing Matt and Jordan have had to endure through the show’s first twelve episodes. Also on the show, some Dante-inspired streaming recommendations and streaming recs for a listener who shares little in common (movie-wise) with his spouse. And the debut of “What’s In A Name,” a new movie trivia game.  (#012) Intro, In The Hand of Dante (00:00:00–00:34:55) Rec Seg: Dante-Inspired Streaming Recommendations (00:34:56–00:50:32) Listener Request Recommendations (00:50:33–01:06:44) Trivia: What’s In A Name (01:06:45–01:22:34) New to Streaming / Credits (01:22:35–01:31:14) Show Notes Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive⁠ https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/⁠ The Starlog Podcast hosted by Jordan ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwWNy9zLV0k⁠ Pre-Order Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" (Coming October 6th):⁠ https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/⁠ Feedback: Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com Follow Matt on Blue Sky: @mattsinger.bsky.social Follow Jordan on Blue Sky: @jhoffman.bsky.social Follow the Show:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠ Follow the Show:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠

Matt and Jordan review Netflix’s generically titled, but surprisingly witty Office Romance. Co-written by and starring Brett Goldstein alongside JLo, the workplace rom-com rises just above the streaming giant’s usual output by delivering actual jokes, real talent, and a surprising level of NSFW content. Plus, some deep cut streaming recommendations, this week’s streaming releases, and a new game courtesy of Matt called “Portmanteau to Toe.” (Ep. #177) Intro, Office Romance (00:00:00–00:29:37) Streaming Recommendations (00:29:38–00:43:53) Personalized Recs (00:43:54–01:00:33) Game: Portmanteau To Toe (01:00:34–01:15:41) New to Streaming / Credits (01:15:42–01:26:30) Show Notes Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/ Pre-Order Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" (Coming October 6th): https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/ Feedback: Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com Follow Matt on Blue Sky: @mattsinger.bsky.social Follow Jordan on Blue Sky: @jhoffman.bsky.social Follow the Show: https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu Follow the Show: https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu

Matt and Jordan review HBO’s Sundance acquisition Miss You Love You. And while Jordan finds it to be a handsome, moving, and well-acted "filmed play", Matt finds too modest and predictable. For Rec Seg, Matt revisits the grueling, ice-cold dread of corporate culture with a 2019 workplace thriller, while Jordan counters with a classic 1982 Sidney Lumet thriller packed with more twists, turns -- and smooches! Finally, Jordan takes the reins as Dungeon Master for a game called On a Wing and a Prayer. Chapters / Timecodes (Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00–00:7:27) Miss You Love You (00:7:28–00:26:54) Rec Seg!: (00:26:55–00:43:49) Personalized Recs (00:43:50–01:04:34) Game: On a Wing and a Prayer (01:04:35–01:23:04) Wrap-Up & Credits (01:23:05–01:35:02) Show Notes Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/ Matt's appearances on our sister podcast, The Next Picture Show, discussing Shogun Assassin and The Mandalorian and Grogu. https://www.filmspotting.net/nextpictureshow Pre-Order Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" (Coming October 6th): https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/ Feedback: Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com Follow Matt on Blue Sky: @mattsinger.bsky.social Follow Jordan on Blue Sky: @jhoffman.bsky.social Follow the Show: https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu

Matt and Jordan review Netflix's massive true crime tabloid horror hit, The Crash, a direct-to-streaming look at the tragic Mackenzie Sherilla case. Jordan walks away feeling like he needs a shower for his soul, while Matt thanks his lucky stars that social media didn't exist when he was a youngster. For Rec Seg, Matt challenges the "drek" of the true crime genre by recommending an Oscar-nominated Netflix doc and Jordan counters with a 2018 indie drama that offers a nuanced take on the endless scroll. Listener requests yield recommendations for a 1945 "hardcore British" romance and 2012 Sundance indie featuring an ex-con who hangs out with a robot. Finally, Producer Sam steps in to host a true crime-inspired game called If You Can't Do the Time, Don't Watch the True Crime (on Amazon Prime). Plus, dabbing, dad jokes, and brief thoughts on box office phenomenons Backrooms and Obsession, and Masters of the Universe. (Ep. #175) Chapters / Timecodes (Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.) Backrooms, Obsession, Masters of the Universe (00:00:00–00:7:45) The Crash (00:7:46–00:24:14) Rec Seg!: Good True Crime, Online Teens (00:24:15–00:40:11) Personalized Recs: British Romance, Sundance Dramedy (00:40:11–01:05:31) Game: If You Can’t Do The Time… (01:05:32–01:20:34) New to Streaming / Credits (01:20:35–01:29:18) Show Notes Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/ Matt's appearances on our sister podcast, The Next Picture Show, discussing Shogun Assassin and The Mandalorian and Grogu. https://www.filmspotting.net/nextpictureshow Pre-Order Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" (Coming October 6th): https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/ Feedback: Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com Follow Matt on Blue Sky: @mattsinger.bsky.social Follow Jordan on Blue Sky: @jhoffman.bsky.social Follow the Show: https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu

Matt and Jordan review Prime Video’s Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: Ghost War, a straight-to-streaming title they are branding "movie Toferky." For Rec Seg, the duo finds comfort in the Paramount Plus vaults, with Jordan revisiting the Tom Clancy masterpiece that started it all, and Matt countering with a series sequel, featuring Harrison Ford's bookworm Boy Scout desk-jockey. Then, a personalized recommendation request from listener Patrick sparks a highly volatile intra-pod war. While Jordan goes with a ‘70s screwball classic, Matt goes full "Muppet Radical" with his recommendation for a late-period Muppet movie over the Jim Henson-produced originals.  Finally, Producer Sam hosts a trivia game called The Sum of All Jack Ryans, which ignites a flurry of deep pulls, culminating with a classic Jordan anecdote featuring Star Trek's Gates McFadden desperately trying to escape a cruise ship at the outbreak of the pandemic. (Ep. #174) Intro, Jack Ryan: Ghost War Review (00:00:00–00:34:37) Rec Seg! (00:34:38–00:52:31) Personalized Recs (Theater Kids, Streisand, & Muppet Radicals) (00:52:32–01:10:44) Game: The Sum of All Jack Ryans (01:10:45–01:32:36) New to Streaming / Credits (01:32:37–01:43:14) Show Notes Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/ Matt's appearances on our sister podcast, The Next Picture Show, discussing Shogun Assassin and The Mandalorian and Grogu. https://www.filmspotting.net/nextpictureshow Check out Jordan's guest spot on Keith Phipps' sci-fi podcast The Laser Age discussing the killer-bunny classic Night of the Lepus https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-laser-age-285296395/ Pre-Order Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" (Coming October 6th): https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/ Feedback: Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com Follow Matt on Blue Sky: @mattsinger.bsky.social Follow Jordan on Blue Sky: @jhoffman.bsky.social Follow the Show: https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu Follow the Show: https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu

Matt and Jordan punch their tickets to an alternate reality to review Ladies First, the new Netflix comedy starring Sacha Baron Cohen and Rosamund Pike. They break down the film's (mostly good!) relentless barrage of gags, its terrifyingly plausible marketing pitches, and whether it successfully navigates the edgy tightrope of workplace comedy. But before they talk Ladies First, they have to talk about leaving the couch. Matt recounts his mind-bending, leaf-in-the-face trip to the Las Vegas Sphere watching The Wizard of Oz, while Jordan counters with an equally dramatic story about his allergy-inflicted screening ofThe Mandalorian and Grogu at his local AMC. For Rec Seg!, the multiversal madness continues as the duo pairs Ladies First with Jet Li martial arts mayhem and surrealist cinema from Fellini. Plus, a listener writes in looking for a sleek, under-the-radar romantic thriller, prompting two very different caper recommendations. Finally, Producer Sam takes over the board as "Dungeon Master" to premier a brand-new, slow-teasing visual trivia game called Strip Poster. (Ep. #173) (Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.) Intro, Wizard of Oz at Sphere, The Mandalorian & Grogu (00:00:00–00:15:05) Ladies First (00:15:06–00:35:26) Rec Seg! (00:35:27–00:50:23) Personalized Recs (00:50:24–01:02:16) Game (01:02:17–01:16:36) New to Streaming / Credits(01:16:37–01:29:00) Notes: Matt on “The Wizard of Oz” at Sphere https://screencrush.com/wizard-of-oz-sphere-review/ Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive ⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/⁠⁠ Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" comes to bookstores everywhere on October 6th. Pre-Order now! ⁠⁠https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/⁠⁠ The Flop House Podcast: “The One” https://www.flophousepodcast.com/2025/11/episode-467-the-one-with-michael-shanks/ Feedback: -Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com⁠⁠ Follow: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/jhoffman6/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/mattsinger.bsky.social

In the first installment of a semi-regular series, Matt and Jordan take a break from reviewing a single film in order to interrogate an entire streaming platform: the industry juggernaut, Netflix. They dissect it across five crucial categories—library size, playback interface, reliability, originals, and price. The goal? Nothing less than determining the greatest service of all time. Then for Rec Seg, Jordan attempts to track down a forgotten, star-studded 2020 musical drama buried deep in the Netflix sub-basement, while Matt stakes a claim for Adam Sandler's finest 2020s streaming achievement. Plus, they answer a listener mailbag question with two exceptional, music-centric recommendations currently streaming on Mubi. (Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:02:23) The State of Streaming: Netflix (00:02:24-00:43:09) Rec Seg! (00:43:09-00:57:30) Personalized Recs: Music Movies on MUBI (00:57:31-01:08:25) Game: Netflix Capacitor (01:08:26-01:16:13) New to Streaming / Credits (01:16:14-01:23:09) Notes: Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive ⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/⁠⁠ Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" comes to bookstores everywhere in October. Pre-Order now! ⁠⁠https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/⁠⁠ Jordan at Foreign Policy Magazine https://foreignpolicy.com/author/jordan-hoffman/ Matt at ScreenCrush https://screencrush.com/author/mattsinger/ Feedback: -Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com⁠⁠ Follow: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/jhoffman6/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/mattsinger.bsky.social⁠⁠

This week, Matt and Jordan flip for the conch to discuss the BBC’s new four-part adaptation of The Lord of the Flies, now streaming on Netflix. The duo dives deep into Jack Thorne’s "cinematic" take on the classic novel, debating the effectiveness of its character-focused structure and its haunting visual palette. For Rec Seg!, they've got Flies-inspired recommendations that range from the whimsical to the harrowing, and in response to listener emails, a deep-cut horror recommendation and an experimental short (that may just scratch that jam-band itch). Plus, Matt faces his fears as Producer Sam takes over as "Dungeon Master" for this week's game, The Streaming Limited, testing the hosts’ knowledge of literary-inspired miniseries. (Ep. #172) (Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:02:50) Lord of the Flies (00:02:51-00:35:19) Rec Seg! (00:35:20-00:55:40) Personalized Recs: Deep Cut Horror, Jam Band Scores (00:55:41-01:13:13) Game: The Streaming Limited (01:13:14-01:35:42) New to Streaming / Credits (01:35:43-01:49:17) Notes: Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive ⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/⁠⁠ Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" comes to bookstores everywhere in October. Pre-Order now! ⁠⁠https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/⁠⁠ Feedback: -Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com⁠⁠ Follow: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/jhoffman6/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/mattsinger.bsky.social⁠⁠

Matt and Jordan see if Netflix’s massive rom-com hit People We Meet on Vacation (starring "generational talent" Emily Bader) lives up to its 50-million-stream hype. Does the film successfully invert the When Harry Met Sally formula, or is it just a beautiful travelogue hampered by a "charisma vacuum"? Later, Jordan recommends an under-seen 2023 indie mafia drama, and Matt invites us to fall in love with a 1963 French New Wave short. Plus, a pair of listener-requested recommendations inspired by 1975's The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.  Finally, Producer Sam challenges Jordan’s 3-0 winning streak in a high-stakes game of "Full Service." (Ep. #171) (Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:03:45) People We Meet On Vacation (00:03:46-00:27:02) Rec Seg! (00:27:03-00:47:50) Personalized Recommendations Inspired By 1974's The Taking Of Pelham One Two Three (00:47:51-01:03:14) Game: Full Service (01:03:15-01:20:51) New to Streaming / Credits (01:20:52-01:33:48) Notes: Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive ⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/⁠⁠ Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" comes to bookstores everywhere in October. Pre-Order now! ⁠⁠https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/⁠⁠ Feedback: -Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com⁠⁠ Follow: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/jhoffman6/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/mattsinger.bsky.social⁠⁠

This week on Filmspotting: SVU, Matt and Jordan tackle the new Netflix action-thriller Apex, starring Charlize Theron and Taryn Egerton. Inspired by Matt Damon’s recent comments on "the Netflix note," the duo investigates whether this Australia-set survival story is better than the average streaming title or another victim of Netflix's "house style" that caters to people doing the dishes. Plus, Jordan uncovers a bizarre cinematic trend involving beef jerky, Matt pays homage to the "undisputed queen of Netflix action," and the guys launch their first-ever Personalized Recommendation segment to help a listener find some deep-cut noirs. The episode wraps with a high-stakes, all-Charlize edition of "Letterboxd-ing," where producer Sam attempts to break his losing streak. (Ep. #170) (Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:02:00) Apex (00:02:01-00:27:10) Rec Seg! (00:27:11-00:39:35) Radical Streaming Honesty (00:39:36-00:53:33) Personalize Recommendations: Deep Cut Noir (00:53:34-01:03:58) Game: Letterboxd-ing (01:03:59-01:22:40) New to Streaming / Credits (01:22:41-01:31:03) Notes: Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/ Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" comes to bookstores everywhere in October https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/ Feedback: -Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com⁠⁠ Follow: https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu https://letterboxd.com/superpulse/ https://letterboxd.com/jhoffman6/ https://bsky.app/profile/mattsinger.bsky.social

Matt and Jordan return with a review of Balls Up, debating if the Peter Farrelly formula still works on the small screen and whether they can actually recommend a movie involving cocaine-addicted crocodiles. Later, Matt revisits Empire Records, Jordan goes back to 1935 with The 39 Steps, and the team plays the first-ever round of "Key Chain." (Ep. #169) (Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:02:58) Balls Up (00:02:59-00:34:13) Rec Seg + Radical Streaming Honesty (00:34:14-01:11:40) Game: Key Chain (01:11:41-01:29:18) New to Streaming / Credits (01:29:19-01:37:28) Notes: Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/ Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" comes to bookstores everywhere in October https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/ The Reddit thread that explains how the poster for Nirvana The Band The Show The Movie ripped off Marty Supreme (and how this all related to the Balls Out poster): https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/comments/1qk7av1/marketing_for_nirvanna_the_band_the_show_the/ Feedback: -Email us at matt@filmspottingSVU.com⁠⁠ Follow: https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu https://letterboxd.com/superpulse/ https://letterboxd.com/jhoffman6/ https://bsky.app/profile/mattsinger.bsky.social

Not a dream, not a hoax — SVU is back. After an eight-year hiatus and a “miracle leap forward in technology,” Matt Singer returns with new co-host Jordan Hoffman. To christen the new era, they tackle Jonah Hill’s Apple TV original Outcome, starring Keanu Reeves as the neurotically obsessed movie star (and former heroin addict) Reef Hawk. The duo debates whether the film is a fascinating failure — or just a “transcendentally bad” piece of garbage. Plus, Jordan takes us on the grossest space-related tangent in podcast history, Matt provides some radical streaming honesty, including a recommendation for Netflix’s new Pizza Movie, and producer Sam Van Hallgren joins the fray for the inaugural edition of Letterboxding. (Ep. #168) (Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:03:57) "Outcome" (00:03:58-00:44:02) Radical Streaming Honesty (00:44:03-01:14:01) Game: Letterboxding (01:14:02-01:28:56) New to Streaming / Credits (01:28:57-01:36:31) Feedback: -Email us at matt@filmspottingSVU.com⁠⁠ Follow: https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu https://letterboxd.com/superpulse/ https://letterboxd.com/jhoffman6/ https://bsky.app/profile/mattsinger.bsky.social

It's been six (mostly) wonderful years of Filmspotting: Streaming Video Unit, but on this episode, Matt and Alison say goodbye. First, in honor of JUSTIN BIEBER: NEVER SAY NEVER, which they talked about in their first episode (yup) back in 2012, they take a look at a movie that owes a lot to that documentary — Lonely Island's POPSTAR: NEVER STOP NEVER STOPPING. Then they devote the rest of the podcast to answering listener questions about everything from the future of the film industry to THE ADVENTURES OF FORD FAIRLANE. Thanks for listening, everyone! Hosts' Choice Review: "Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping" Useful Links: Older Filmspotting: SVU Episodes Remnants of the IFC News Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Remember how when we were kids we battled a nightmare clown terrorizing our small town and devouring children? No? Maybe it was just us then. On this episode of Filmspotting: Streaming Video Unit, Matt and Alison take a look at the 1990 TV miniseries version of Stephen King's IT, now available on Hulu, and then recommend some other clown movies, scary and otherwise, available to rent or stream right now. They also share some important (and sad) news about the future of the podcast. Listener's Choice Review: "It" (1990) Queue Shots: Clown Movies Behind the 8-Ball: 3 New Streaming Releases Alison: The Young Karl Marx / A Star Is Born / Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael Matt: Lady Bird / Yellow Submarine / Paramount2 Listener Recommendations 1 Random Film From Our Netflix "My Lists" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get your skates straight and put out that cigarette, because on this week's show, Matt and Alison are talking 2017's Tonya Harding biopic I, TONYA, which was recently added to Hulu. Then, inspired by the sport that made Harding famous (before The Incident made her infamous), they recommend some other movies (and one television series) that feature ice skating, all available to rent or stream. Listener's Choice Review: "I, Tonya" Queue Shots: Movies (And One TV Show) Involving Ice Skating Behind the 8-Ball: 3 New Streaming Releases Alison: The Chinese Exclusion Act / Bad Genius / Boarding Gate Matt: The Disaster Artist / The Quick and the Dead / The Debt Collector 2 Listener Recommendations1 Random Film From Our Netflix "My Lists" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is John Woo's latest movie a return to form for the director, or something closer to self-parody? On this episode of Filmspotting: Streaming Video Unit, Matt and Alison debate the merits of MANHUNT, Woo's 2017 thriller, which was recently released as a Netflix original. Then, despite MANHUNT taking place in Japan, they use Woo's place as an influential force in Hong Kong film to recommend some other Hong Kong action movies, all available to rent or stream. Listener's Choice Review: "Manunt" Queue Shots: Hong Kong Action Movies Behind the 8-Ball: 3 New Streaming Releases Alison: Beatriz at Dinner / The Student / Shanghai JoeMatt: Evil Genius / Ace in the Hole / The Toys That Made Us2 Listener Recommendations 1 Random Film From Our Netflix "My Lists" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There comes a time when a young girl blossoms into a woman, and sometimes that woman turns out to possess terrifying powers that are some kind of allegory for the female sexuality. On this episode, Matt and Alison take a wander through the genre of the supernatural coming of age story, recommending some titles to rent or stream right now. It's all the better to accompany their main review of Joachim Trier's 2017 THELMA, about a teenager from a strict, repressed background who discovers a lot about herself — a lot more than fits into the expected definition of reality — when she goes off to college. Listener's Choice Review: "Thelma" Queue Shots: Supernatural Coming of Age Movies Behind the 8-Ball: 3 New Streaming Releases Alison: BPM (Beats per Minute) / Psychokinesis / Murder on the Orient Express Matt: Last Flag Flying / Planet of the Apes / Manhunt 2 Listener Recommendations 1 Random Film From Our Netflix "My Lists" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"People come to the Oasis for all the things they can do, but they stay for all the things they can be." Presuming, that is, those things are licensable bits of IP. On this episode, Matt and Alison use Steven Spielberg's latest, READY PLAYER ONE, as an excuse to talk about all sorts of movies that turn up in the reference-heavy dystopian adventure, including their main review of Brad Bird's beloved 1999 THE IRON GIANT. And as always, the titles they talk about are all available for rental or streaming right now. Listener's Choice Review: "The Iron Giant" Queue Shots: Movies Referenced in Ready Player One Behind the 8-Ball: 3 New Streaming Releases Alison:  24 Hour Party People / Saturday Church / Lost in Space Matt: Kodachrome / Lust for Life / The Unauthorized Saved by the Bell Story 2 Listener Recommendations 1 Random Film From Our Netflix "My Lists" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Matt and Alison talk cults versus communes, xenophobia, sexual liberation, immigration fraud, religious freedom, and also putting beavers into blenders in order to use the resulting goo to taint the water supply. Yes, they're going deep into WILD WILD COUNTRY, Netflix's stranger-than-fiction docuseries about the 1980s clash between the followers of the Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and the locals in Oregon area where they attempted to build a utopian community. Then, as a nod to the series' sibling filmmaking team, Chapman and MacLain Way, they recommend some other brother-director titles available to rent or stream. Listener's Choice Review: "Wild Wild Country" Queue Shots: Movies Made By Brothers Behind the 8-Ball: 3 New Streaming Releases Alison: AMO / The Killing of a Sacred Deer / The Florida Project Matt: Reservoir Dogs / You Don't Mess With the Zohan / Nailed It 2 Listener Recommendations 1 Random Film From Our Netflix "My Lists" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pour a row of martinis and ready your finest 1930s repartee, because on this episode of Filmspotting: Streaming Video Unit, Matt and Alison sample THE THIN MAN, available via TCM's new partnership with FilmStruck. And, in honor of Nick and Nora Charles making constant alcohol consumption look so good, they spend the second half of the episode recommending some other movies about drinking that are available to rent or stream right now. Listener's Choice Review: "The Thin Man" Queue Shots: Movies About Drinking Behind the 8-Ball:  3 New Streaming Releases 2 Listener Recommendations 1 Random Film From Our Netflix "My Lists" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome — in this episode of Filmspotting: Streaming Video Unit, Matt and Alison pay a visit to Weimar-era Berlin by way of the German period drama BABYLON BERLIN, co-created by Tom Tykwer and streaming on Netflix. Then they talk about how the city tends to be portrayed on screen, recommending some other Berlin-set titles that are available to rent or stream. Listener's Choice Review: "Babylon Berlin" Queue Shots: Berlin Movies Behind the 8-Ball:  3 New Streaming Releases 2 Listener Recommendations 1 Random Film From Our Netflix "My Lists" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's no sleep 'til Rego Park, Queens, in this episode of Filmspotting: Streaming Video Unit, in which Matt and Alison consider the uneasy charms of the Safdie brothers' New York set-thriller GOOD TIME, starring Robert Pattinson and currently streaming on Amazon. Then they recommend some other staying-up-all-night movies that are available to rent or stream, from the romantic to the nostalgic to the dystopian.  Listener's Choice Review: "Good Time" Queue Shots: Movies That Take Place In One Night Behind the 8-Ball:  3 New Streaming Releases 2 Listener Recommendations 1 Random Film From Our Netflix "My Lists" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is the future for original movies on the world's largest streaming service? In this episode of Filmspotting: Streaming Video Unit, Matt and Alison wonder where Netflix is headed as they take longer looks at two recent acquisitions — the Hungarian Best Foreign Language Film nominee ON BODY AND SOUL and the studio-discard-turned-Super-Bowl-stunt movie THE CLOVERFIELD PARADOX. Listener's Choice Review: "On Body and Soul" A Special Occasion Second Longer Review: "The Cloverfield Paradox" Behind the 8-Ball:  3 New Streaming Releases 2 Listener Recommendations 1 Random Film From Our Netflix "My Lists"  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes you've got to talk your pain and frustration out — and sometimes you've got to punch a car. In this episode of Filmspotting: Streaming Video Unit, Matt and Alison consider a film that tries to do both — S. Craig Zahler's brawny, wry, brutal Vince Vaughn-goes-to-prison drama BRAWL IN CELL BLOCK 99. Then they offer some recommendations of other movies that could also be considered neo-exploitation, all available to rent or stream right now. Listener's Choice Review: "Brawl in Cell Block 99" Queue Shots: Neo-Exploitation Movies Behind the 8-Ball:  3 New Streaming Releases 2 Listener Recommendations 1 Random Film From Our Netflix "My Lists" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ghosts — not just good for scares! In this episode of Filmspotting: Streaming Video Unit, Matt and Alison take a look at A GHOST STORY, David Lowery's exploration of grief, time, and the afterlife as represented by a sheet with two eye holes cut in it. Then they run with the theme to recommend some other good ghost stories, spooky and otherwise, that are currently available to rent or stream right now. Listener's Choice Review: "A Ghost Story" Queue Shots: Ghostly Movies Behind the 8-Ball:  3 New Streaming Releases 2 Listener Recommendations 1 Random Film From Our Netflix "My Lists" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Orcs, elves, fairies, and racial allegories — on this episode of Filmspotting: Streaming Video Unit, Matt and Alison delve into the deceptively muddled waters of BRIGHT, Netflix's first homegrown attempt at a blockbuster. Then, in honor of the film's (human) lead, they look at the hit-laden career of BRIGHT star Will Smith, highlighting titles you can rent or stream right now, from early obscurities to the big successes that may or may not hold up. Listener's Choice Review: "Bright" Queue Shots: Will Smith Movies Behind the 8-Ball:  3 New Streaming Releases 2 Listener Recommendations 1 Random Film From Our Netflix "My Lists" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2017. It was... quite a year. But at least there were some good films? On this episode of Filmspotting: Streaming Video Unit, Matt and Alison look back at the past 12 months of movies by way of their annual, unconventional, and highly personal year-end awards. Yes, it's the SVUvies, in which the cinematic year gets broken down by way of categories like "We Didn't Get It," "Best Music Moment," and, of course, "Best Film of 2017." Then Matt and Alison offer up some recommendations of titles that are new to streaming, and a few from SVU listeners. Behind the 8-Ball: 3 New ReleasesAlison: Free In Deed / Dawson City: Frozen Time / Better Watch OutMatt: Ash vs Evil Dead / Step / Total Recall 2 Listener Recommendations Alison: Bad Lucky Goat / Rat Film Matt: Star Treks Deep Space Nine and Voyager / Taxi 1 Random Film From Our Netflix "My Lists" Alison: Lagaan Matt: The Twilight Zone This episode of Filmspotting: SVU is brought to you by Dropbox and Showstopper. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alison gets to take a break this time around as Matt makes his triumphant return by stepping up to the (live) mic for a very special episode recorded on stage at the inaugural Brooklyn Podcast Festival on November 18. Matt is joined by Dan McCoy and Stuart Wellington of The Flop House to create a hideous one-night-only mutant movie-talking creation — Flopspotting: SVU! And, for this momentus occasion, they’ve settled on a feature worthy of the talents of two podcasts — TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT, from one Michael Benjamin Bay. This episode of Filmspotting: SVU is brought to you by Tribeca Shortlist and Showstopper. Live! One! Night! Only! Review:Transformers: The Last Knight Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eric Kohn of IndieWire and the Screen Talk podcast joins Alison while on the road in the Florida Keys to discuss Dee Rees’ Netflix original MUDBOUND. Matt is still off on paternity leave, so this episode of Filmspotting: Streaming Video Unit has turned the responsibility for picking the main review to our guest host. In addition to talking Rees’ ensemble period drama (an Oscar contender with an outside chance of making history) Eric and Alison recommend other films directed by black women available to rent or stream, some of whom Rees has cited as influences. This episode of Filmspotting: SVU is brought to you by Tribeca Shortlist and Showstopper. Guest Host’s Choice Review: Mudbound Queue Shots: Films Directed By Black Women: A Dry White Season Daughters of the Dust The Watermelon Woman Whose Streets? Behind the 8-Ball: 3 New Releases Alison: Allied / Search Party / Their Finest Eric: The Persian Connection / Landline / The Dinner 2 Listener Recommendations Alison: Patton Oswalt: Annihilation / Neal Brennan: 3 Mics Eric: Life / Parents 1 Random Film From Our Netflix "My Lists" Alison: Boys in the Trees Eric: Narcos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While Matt is off on paternity leave, this episode of Filmspotting: Streaming Video Unit turns the responsibility for picking the main review to our guest host, who opts for the Netflix original movie THE MEYEROWITZ STORIES (NEW AND SELECTED). Then, in honor of the complicated relationship between the half-siblings played by Adam Sandler and Ben Stiller in the film, they offer up some streaming recs about what happens when brothers grow up. Guest Critic's Choice Review: "The Meyerowitz Stories" Queue Shots: Movies About Grown-up Brothers In Theaters: "Thor: Ragnarok" Behind the 8-Ball: 3 New Streaming Releases 2 Listener Recommendations 1 Random Film From Our Netflix "My Lists" This episode of Filmspotting: SVU is brought to you by Tribeca Shortlist and Hello Fresh. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Freshmeeeeen! On this episode of Filmspotting: Streaming Video Unit, Matt and Alison haze each other with drunken parties and rabbit kidneys in preparation for talking Julia Ducournau’s body horror/coming of age movie RAW. Then they reminisce about their long-ago undergrad years with some recs of other college movies and TV series, (mostly) available to stream or rent. Listener's Choice Review: "Raw" Queue Shots: College Movies In Theaters: "The Snowman" Behind the 8-Ball:  3 New Streaming Releases 2 Listener Recommendations 1 Random Film From Our Netflix "My Lists" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Filmspotting: Streaming Video Unit, Matt and Alison run off to the desert to start their own Keanu Reeves-centric rave cult in preparation for their discussion of Ana Lily Amirpour’s dystopian drama THE BAD BATCH. Then, in honor of THE BAD BATCH’s truly disturbing scenes of human flesh-consumption (set to Ace of Base!), they recommend some other movies in which cannibalism is featured — as an allegory, a total gross-out, or both. And, of course, they’re all available to stream or rent. Listener's Choice Review: "The Bad Batch" Queue Shots: Cannibalism Movies In Theaters: "Blade Runner 2049" Behind the 8-Ball:  3 New Streaming Releases 2 Listener Recommendations 1 Random Film From Our Netflix "My Lists" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Filmspotting: Streaming Video Unit, Matt and Alison talk moral compromises and modern Romania in their review of Cristian Mungiu’s GRADUATION. Then, having entirely failed to find the time to watch more streaming Romanian New Wave films, as was the original plan, they instead delve into the Toronto International Film Festival. Yes, Matt and Alison both recently returned from the event that typically kicks off awards season, and each are ready to offer their top five highlights (and one lowlight) from the fest. Listener's Choice Review: "Graduation" Queue Shots: TIFF 2017 Behind the 8-Ball:  3 New Releases 2 Listener Recommendations 1 Random Film From Our Netflix "My Lists" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anthology television series mean you can have a brand new cast and story in each new installment. Alas, when it comes to listening to Filmspotting: Streaming Video Unit, you’ll have to settle for Matt and Alison every time. On this episode of Filmspotting: SVU, they discuss the British series INSIDE NO. 9, a collection of standalone episodes ranging from comedy to horror, but all set at a location numbered “9.” Then they talk about how episodic anthology series are a kind of intersection between TV and short films, and offer some new and classic recs, all available to stream right now. Listener's Choice Review: "Inside No. 9" Queue Shots: Anthology Shows Behind the 8-Ball:  3 New Releases 2 Listener Recommendations 1 Random Film From Our Netflix "My Lists" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shall we begin? On this episode of Filmspotting: Streaming Video Unit, Matt and Alison dissect Adam Wingard’s Netflix original movie DEATH NOTE, based on the popular manga and anime series. After despairing at there ever being a great American anime adaptation, they offer up four anime features available to rent or stream at home right now — a kind of anime movie starter pack. Listener's Choice Review: "Death Note" Queue Shots: Anime Starter Kit Behind the 8-Ball:  3 New Releases 2 Listener Recommendations 1 Random Film From Our Netflix "My Lists" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Would you like to swing on a star? How about listen to Bruce Willis sing pop standards while stealing artifacts? On this episode of Filmspotting: Streaming Video Unit, Matt and Alison consider 1991’s notorious HUDSON HAWK and whether it deserves its reputation as an epic disaster. Then they talk vanity projects and what makes a film deserve that designation, recommending some fascinating failures available to rent or stream at home right now. Opening Break: "Alien" Covenant" "Chuck" "Unleashed" Listener's Choice Review: "Hudson Hawk" Queue Shots: Vanity Projects Behind the 8-Ball:  3 New Releases 2 Listener Recommendations 1 Random Film From Our Netflix "My Lists" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the era of Peak TV, it’s become increasingly common to see filmmakers crossing over to work on the small screen. But what about when it’s the other way around? This week, Matt and Alison look at the film debuts of some famous television creators and talk about how well their approach ends up translating. It’s all inspired by their main review, of Netflix’s original movie TO THE BONE, the directorial debut of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Unreal"'s Marti Noxon. Opening Break: "Colossal" "The Circle" "Fun Mom Dinner" Listener's Choice Review: "To the Bone" Queue Shots: When TV Creators Make Movies Behind the 8-Ball: 3 New Releases 2 Listener Recommendations 1 Random Film From Our Netflix "My Lists" Filmspotting: SVU is brought to you by Movies On Demand On Cable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To think what people could accomplish, were it not for the pesky families they love! On this episode of the Filmspotting: Streaming Video Unit podcast, Matt and Alison talk ambition, sacrifice, and James Gray’s THE LOST CITY OF Z. Then, in honor of Charlie Hunnam’s career-best turn as the dashing Percy Fawcett, they recommend some other movies about explorers (of various sorts), all available to rent or stream right now. Opening Break: "A Cure For Wellness" "Kong: Skull Island" "The Last Face" Listener's Choice Review: "The Lost City of Z" Queue Shots: Movies About Explorers Behind the 8-Ball:  3 New Releases 2 Listener Recommendations 1 Random Film From Our Netflix "My Lists" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you call a fictional animal that’s adorable, intelligent, and looks like a giant pig crossed with a hippo? In the world of Bong Joon-ho’s OKJA: lunch. On this episode, Matt and Alison discuss the South Korean director’s continent-crossing, genre-defying Netflix original, and what it signals for the streaming giant’s future in movie-making. Then they recommend some other multilingual movies available to rent or stream right now. Opening Break: "Song to Song" "Certain Women" "A Quiet Passion" Listener's Choice Review: "Okja" Queue Shots: Multilingual Movies Behind the 8-Ball:  3 New Releases 2 Listener Recommendations 1 Random Film From Our Netflix "My Lists" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wo, oh, what we want to know, are you willing to watch a nearly four-hour documentary about the Grateful Dead? Matt and Alison did, and talk all about it on this episode of SVU, which takes on both Amir Bar-lev’s Amazon original doc LONG STRANGE TRIP and the larger question of what makes a music doc worthwhile for audiences beyond the hardcore fans. Then they recommend some other music docs worth checking out, all available to rent or stream right now. Opening Break: "T2 Trainspotting" "Life" "John Wick: Chapter 2" Listener's Choice Review: "Long Strange Trip" Queue Shots: Music Docs Behind the 8-Ball:  3 New Releases 2 Listener Recommendations 1 Random Film From Our Netflix "My Lists" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With TWIN PEAKS back on the air after 26 years, Matt and Alison start this episode of SVU by taking a look at the film with which TWIN PEAKS last left off — prequel FIRE WALK WITH ME, which was booed at Cannes back in 1992, but has since been reevaluated as a David Lynch classic. Then, in honor of the way FIRE WALK WITH ME gives the spotlight to Laura Palmer, TWIN PEAKS’ murder victim, they discuss the not-always-grand tradition of the beautiful dead girl on screen, offering examples that established or subverted this trend, all available to rent or stream right now. Filmspotting: SVU is brought to you by Movies On Demand On Cable, Lexus, and Showtime’s I'm Dying Up Here. Opening Break: "A Cure For Wellness" "I, Daniel Blake" "Band Aid" Listener's Choice Review: "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me" Queue Shots: The Beautiful Dead Girl Behind the 8-Ball:  3 New Releases 2 Listener Recommendations 1 Random Film From Our Netflix "My Lists" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices