Midday Movies

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen dive into the decades-spanning revolutionary narrative of Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another," a film that has garnered significant Oscar buzz. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, and Sean Penn, this sprawling American epic explores the clash between militant countercultural revolutionaries and a repressive police state...

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen embark on a critical discussion about the first Best Picture nomination for 2026, Yorgos Lanthimos' "Bugonia." Starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, this film delves into pressing societal issues like climate collapse and inequality through a comedic sci-fi lens. The duo explores the film’s bizarre premise of a pharmaceutical CEO being kid...

In this thrilling Midday Mini, hosts Laura and Stephen dive into the post nuclear world of Fallout: Season 2, a series that continues to capture their hearts with gaming nostalgia. With its vibrant setting in New Vegas, the duo explores the rich character dynamics and morally complex narratives that mirror the beloved video game. From the morally gray decisions of Hank McLean, played by the iconic...

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen dive headfirst into the exhilarating world of this year's Oscar nominations! With excitement in the air, they explore the standout films vying for the coveted gold statue in the categories of Best Documentary Feature, Animated Feature, and Best Picture. From gripping documentaries that tackle pressing social issues to animated tales that tu...

In this exciting Midday Mini, hosts Laura and Stephen dive into the wild world of Ryan Murphy's latest television creation, "The Beauty." This midday mini explores the show's unique blend of drama, sci-fi, and dark humor, set against an alien-sounding backdrop that keeps viewers guessing. With its intriguing premise involving a deadly virus that enhances beauty at a lethal cost, the series feature...

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen embark on the visually iconoclastic journey through Terrence Malick's 1978 masterpiece, "Days of Heaven." Starring a young Richard Gere and marking Malick’s 2nd feature film, the audience is taken into the lives of itinerant farm workers in early 20th century America, exploring themes of love, ambition, and moral ambiguity against the backd...

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen take you back into their January Film School Series, diving into the 10 must-see masterpieces celebrated for their stunning cinematography, as highlighted in the insightful "Filmmaker's Book of Ten" by award-winning cinematographer Steven Bernstein. From the painterly visuals of Stanley Kubrick's "Barry Lyndon" to the emotionally charged la...

In this special episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen present a captivating feature from the Umbrella Podcast Collective's own Mysterious PNW. Join them as they explore the eerie yet fascinating Seattle Death Museum, a unique establishment housing an array of death artifacts and curiosities. From haunted dolls to post-mortem photography, Laura and Stephen delve into the macabre his...

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen delve into the 1957 film noir masterpiece, "The Sweet Smell of Success," a film that transformed from a box office flop into a revered classic. This episode explores the chaotic collaboration between novelist Ernest Lehman, playwright Clifford Odets, and director Alexander McKendrick, as they bring to life via screenplay the morally ambiguo...

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen are taking you back to Film School, diving into the essential 10 films aspiring screenwriters must see, as outlined in the newly released "Filmmaker's Book of Ten" by Steven Bernstein. With a focus on compelling dialogue and innovative narrative structures, they explore ten cinematic masterpieces that evidence elevated screenwriting and inn...

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen embark on a deep dive into the 1984 cinematic masterpiece "Paris, Texas," directed by Wim Wenders and penned by Sam Shepard. This visually stunning film, which won the prestigious Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival when it premiered, tells the poignant story of Travis Henderson, a man who reemerges after four years of wandering the Mojave D...

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen take listeners on an enlightening journey through the world of cinema by exploring the soon-to-be-released “Filmmaker's Book of Ten” — a practical handbook for filmmakers at all levels by Steven Bernstein (book coming out officially next week). They unveil a unique list of ten directors whose work promises to reshape your understanding...

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen ring in the New Year with part two of Rotten Tomatoes' list of the 25 most inspirational films. They explore 13 modern classics that encourage listeners to cherish family moments, learn new skills, and embark on new adventures. From the whimsical storytelling of “Big Fish” (2003) to the transformative journey in “Wild” (2014), this episode...

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen celebrate New Year’s 2026 by exploring Rotten Tomatoes' list of the 25 most inspirational films . They dive into 12 movies that motivate viewers to improve their fitness, navigate career challenges, and inspire mindset shifts for the upcoming year. From the heartwarming journey of “Brittany Runs a Marathon” (2019) to the classic intensity o...

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen dive into the 1988 action classic 'Die Hard', starring Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman. They discuss the film's unique contribution to the action genre, its strong anti-establishment themes, and whether it qualifies as a Christmas movie. They also explore the impact of Bruce Willis' casting, Alan Rickman's debut performance, and the film's la...

Join Laura and Stephen on 'Midday Movies' as they continue their holiday guide exploring AFI's greatest holiday movies with the timeless classic, 'A Christmas Story'. Adapted from Jean Shepherd's short stories and narrated by Shepherd himself, this episode dissects the film's portrayal of a 1940s holiday season. They delve into Ralphie's epic quest for a Red Rider BB gun, his vivid fantasies, and...

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen analyze 'Happiest Season,' a 2020 Hulu rom-com written and directed by Clea DuVall. Set against the backdrop of the Christmas holidays, this film stars Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Alison Brie, and Dan Levy. The hosts discuss the movie’s exploration of love, personal identity, and maintaining appearances within the complexities of fami...

In this episode of Midday Movies, Laura and Stephen kick off their 2025 holiday film coverage by diving into the animated classic “An American Tail” (1986). Directed by Don Bluth and produced by Steven Spielberg, this film follows the immigrant journey of the Mousekowitz family in 1880s New York City. The hosts explore the film's economical storytelling, its historical context, and its whimsical y...

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen take a lunch break to delve into the American Film Institute's (AFI) Holiday Movie Guide, covering the top 10 of the 21 best US holiday films. They discuss a range of historically great holiday films touching on Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Highlights include 'Love Actually,' 'Miracle on 34th Street,' 'The Muppe...

Join hosts Laura and Stephen on 'Midday Movies' as they dive into the first half of the American Film Institute's list of top 21 holiday films. From the beloved 'A Christmas Story' and 'Home Alone' to lesser-known gems like 'Crossing Delany', this episode covers movies for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Listen in for lively discussions, personal anecdotes, an...

Guests: Jen and Sarah of the “Movies & Us” Podcast In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen, are joined by Jen and Sarah from the Movies & Us Podcast, to explore Guillermo del Toro's reimagining of Mary Shelley's 1818 novel, “Frankenstein” (2025). The movie stars Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, and Mia Goth, and presents themes of mad ambition, family trauma, and the inhospitable Arcti...

Guest: Steven Bernstein (Writer, Director, Cinematographer) In this special episode of Midday Movies , Laura and Stephen are joined by acclaimed cinematographer Steven Bernstein (Monster, White Chicks) to deconstruct the visually haunting masterpiece, Blade Runner 2049 (2017). Moving beyond simple plot summary, the trio dives deep into the philosophy of filmmaking, challenging the modern orthodoxy...

In this episode, Laura and Stephen discuss the 2025 film “Weapons,” a spooky and mysterious movie featuring a unique plot and stellar performances from actors linked to the MCU. They delve into the film's strange story about the disappearance of 17 third graders, the intriguing roles played by Julia Gardner, Benedict Wong, and Josh Brolin, and the unexpected horror elements that make it a standout...

Insights on Filmmaking and Creativity with Steven Bernstein In this episode of “Midday Movies,” hosts Laura and Stephen are joined by veteran filmmaker Steven Bernstein. Known for his work on seminal films like “Monster” (2003) and “Like Water for Chocolate” (1992) (as well as fan favorites like “Water Boy” and “White Chicks”) Bernstein shares his deep insights into the filmmaking industry. The di...

The Unbinding: A Paranormal Dive Into Haunted Artifacts In this episode of Midday Movies, Laura and Stephen discuss their latest Halloween recommendation, “The Unbinding,” a gripping 2023 documentary available on Tubi. They delve into the story discovered on the r/Paranormal subreddit, featuring husband-and-wife supernatural investigators Greg and Dana Newkirk. The documentary explores the terrify...