Podcast Like It's ...

In this riveting episode, hosts Phil and Emily sit down with Emmy Potter and Carrie Wittmer to explore the enigmatic cult classic Nothebook . Hailing from the 2000s, this film broke the mold with its innovative narrative, striking visuals, and offbeat humor that still resonates today. Join us as our guests share fresh insights on how Nothebook challenged traditional storytelling and influenced a g...

In this heartfelt episode, Phil and Emily dive into the tender world of A Walk to Remember , the 2002 teen romance that left a lasting imprint on early-2000s cinema. Joined by film critic Alissa Wilkinson from Vox, the trio explores the movie’s emotional journey—from its understated charm and iconic performances by Mandy Moore and Shane West to its poignant themes of love, loss, and transformation...

Phil and Emily continue their Tom Cruise Mini-Series with Michael Mann’s sleek and stylish Collateral ! 🔥🚖 Joining them is the brilliant Roxana Hadadi ( Vulture ), who helps break down this electrifying 2004 thriller that saw Cruise take on one of his most chilling roles as the cold-blooded contract killer, Vincent. From its stunning digital cinematography to the pulse-pounding tension between C...

Phil and Emily continue their Tom Cruise Mini-Series with a deep dive into Edward Zwick’s sweeping 2003 historical epic, The Last Samurai . Joined by esteemed film critic Bilge Ebiri ( New York Magazine ), they explore Tom Cruise’s transformation into a disillusioned American soldier who finds redemption and purpose within the samurai culture of 19th-century Japan. From its breathtaking cinematogr...

Phil and Emily continue their Tom Cruise Mini-Series with Steven Spielberg’s gripping 2002 sci-fi thriller Minority Report ! Starring Cruise at the height of his action-star powers, this adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s story explores a dystopian future where crimes can be predicted—and prevented—before they happen. Joined by the brilliant Libby Hill ( IndieWire ), the trio dives into the film’s gro...

The Tom Cruise mini-series continues as Phil and Emily dive into the dreamlike, mind-bending world of Vanilla Sky ! 🎭✨ Joined by special guests Justin and Laura Khoo, co-hosts of the podcast Cows in the Field , they unpack Cameron Crowe’s ambitious 2001 film that blends romance, science fiction, and psychological thriller into one unforgettable ride. From its haunting visuals to its polarizing t...

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to join Phil and Emily as they launch their brand-new Tom Cruise mini-series with a deep dive into Mission: Impossible II ! 🚁🔥 Joining them is the delightful Jamie Jirak ( ComicBook.com ), who helps unpack the over-the-top action, slow-motion doves, and John Woo’s unmistakable directorial flair. From Ethan Hunt’s rock-climbing intro to the explosi...

Hold onto your striped hats! 🎩 In this chaotic episode, Phil and Emily delve into the whimsical and wild world of The Cat in the Hat (2003). Joined by the insightful Tallie Medel, they explore the film's eccentricities, its departure from Dr. Seuss's classic tale, and its place in early 2000s cinema. From Mike Myers's unpredictable performance to the film's surreal production design, the trio exa...

It’s time to get festive with Nicolas Cage! 🎄✨ In this installment of our TIS THE DAMN SEASON: 2024 EDITION mini-series, Phil and Emily dive into the heartfelt holiday drama The Family Man . Directed by Brett Ratner, this 2000s classic reimagines the "What If?" story, as a high-powered executive gets a glimpse of what his life could have been if he’d chosen love over ambition. Phil and Emily dis...

It’s the season for cozy rom-coms and holiday cheer! 🎄✨ We’re kicking off our new mini-series, TIS THE DAMN SEASON: 2024 EDITION , with the beloved 2006 classic The Holiday ! Hosts Phil and Emily are joined by film critic Esther Zuckerman to dive into this heartwarming tale of love, friendship, and house-swapping. From Cameron Diaz’s iconic screaming montage to Kate Winslet’s journey of self-dis...

All aboard! 🚂 We’re kicking off our new holiday mini-series, TIS THE DAMN SEASON: 2024 EDITION , with the uncanny, magical, and slightly eerie world of The Polar Express ! This week, Phil is joined by writer Emma Stefansky to unpack Robert Zemeckis’ bold leap into motion capture animation, Tom Hanks’ multifaceted performances, and whether this 2004 Christmas classic has truly stood the test of ti...

⚔️ This week on Podcast Like It’s the 2000s , we’re stepping into the Colosseum to discuss Ridley Scott’s epic masterpiece Gladiator ! Hosts Phil and Emily are joined by the brilliant Joanna Robinson ( The Ringer , House of R ) to unpack the 2000 Best Picture winner that redefined the historical epic and made Russell Crowe a household name. From its breathtaking battle scenes to its iconic score a...

🌐 This week on Podcast Like It’s the 2000s , we’re diving into Steven Soderbergh’s Oscar-winning ensemble drama Traffic ! Hosts Phil and Emily are joined by Caroline Thompson and Carson Betts to break down this gripping and ambitious exploration of the global drug trade and its devastating effects on individuals and families. From the film's innovative use of color to its sprawling narrative and...

🌟 This week on Podcast Like It’s the 2000s , we’re taking on the powerhouse biographical drama Erin Brockovich ! Hosts are joined by Joe Reid and Chris Feil ( This Had Oscar Buzz ) to dive into Steven Soderbergh’s critically acclaimed film that turned Julia Roberts into an Oscar-winning force of nature. 💼⚡️ From its sharp screenplay and unforgettable performances to its real-life story of envir...

🏹✨ This week on Podcast Like It's.. , we’re soaring into the stunning world of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon ! Hosts are joined by Max Fisher to discuss Ang Lee’s 2000 martial arts masterpiece that redefined global cinema with its breathtaking action sequences, poetic storytelling, and unforgettable performances. Together, we explore how Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon transcended genres, broke...

🇺🇸 In this special Election Edition of Podcast Like It's.. , hosts Emily and Phil take on Oliver Stone’s W. , the 2008 biographical drama that dives into the life and presidency of George W. Bush. With Stone’s signature style and Josh Brolin’s striking performance, W. explores the complex journey of one of America’s most controversial leaders. Emily and Phil break down the film’s portrayal of Bush...

🍫 This week on Podcast Like It's.. , we’re indulging in the sweet and sensuous world of Chocolat ! Hosts are joined by the brilliant Caroline Framke (@cdframke ) to talk about this charming, feel-good film that blends romance, food, and a touch of magic. Set in a small French village, Chocolat explores how one woman’s love for chocolate changes the lives of those around her—and we’re here to brea...

🦇 This week on Podcast Like It's.. , we’re descending into the dark and terrifying world of The Descent ! Hosts are joined by horror expert Clarke Wolfe to explore this claustrophobic 2005 horror classic that still sends shivers down our spines. Directed by Neil Marshall, The Descent is a brutal and intense journey that combines deep cave diving with even deeper fears—both psychological and prima...

👻 This week on Podcast Like It's.. , we’re stepping into the eerie world of The Orphanage ! 🎭 Hosts are joined by the brilliant Ashley Lyle ( Yellowjackets ) to discuss this hauntingly beautiful Spanish horror film. Directed by J.A. Bayona and produced by Guillermo del Toro, The Orphanage is more than just a ghost story—it’s a heart-wrenching tale of grief, motherhood, and the terrifying lengths...

🔪 This week on Podcast Like It's.. , we’re locking the doors and turning off the lights as we dive into the terrifying world of The Strangers ! 🏠😱 Hosts are joined by horror aficionado Louis Peitzman (@louispeitzman on X/Twitter) to unpack this nerve-wracking home invasion thriller. Together, we’ll explore why this film remains one of the most unsettling horror movies of the 2000s, from its eer...

In this thought-provoking episode of Podcast Like It's The 2000s , hosts take a deep dive into Mel Gibson's controversial epic, Passion of the Christ (2004), alongside special guests Eve Ettinger and Kieryn Darkwater. Known for their insightful commentary on religious trauma and societal impact, Eve and Kieryn bring a unique perspective to this polarizing film, exploring its cultural influence, it...

This week, we swing into action with Spider-Man 2 , Sam Raimi’s superhero masterpiece that redefined the genre. Noel Murray (@noelmu) joins us as we dive into the film’s incredible character development, from Peter Parker’s internal struggles to Doc Ock’s tragic villain arc. Along the way, we discuss the stunning visual effects, and thrilling action scenes. Get ready for an episode packed with web...

This week, producer/screenwriter Bryan Cogman journeys back to Middle-earth with us to discuss The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King , the epic conclusion to one of cinema's greatest trilogies. We dive into its sweeping battle sequences, the emotional weight of its many endings, and how the film captured the magic of Tolkien’s world. Along the way, we chat about the incredible performances, th...

Today Patrick Cotnoir (@cotnoir) joins us to discuss Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, to see if the CGI has weathered the years or, like Anakin’s feelings about sand, it’s gotten coarse and rough. We break down John Williams' epic score and how it adds depth to the film’s key moments. We also discuss the toxic side of fandom and its impact on the Star Wars universe. Plus, stick around f...

In this episode, Mike Natale (@nkoas) and Tom Lorenzo (@RagingBull1990) join us as we dive into Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, the explosive sequel that took the franchise to new heights (and depths). We break down the over-the-top action, the chaotic plot, and why Michael Bay likes to shoot Transformers films as though they were a car ad. Tune in as we ask: is it a misunderstood blockbuster...