Mousterpiece Cinema

Hey, folks! It's time for a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and for this one, Josh and Scott are heading back to the 1960s for a momentous occasion in Disney live-action history. This week, they're talking about the original That Darn Cat!, starring Hayley Mills in her final Disney role and Dean Jones in his first Disney role, as a smart young woman and straight-arrow FBI agent, respectively, both of whom get entangled in a kidnapping plot thanks to her...well, darn cat. Josh and Scott are joined by return guest Alan Scherstuhl of The Village Voice to talk about all things feline, the presentation of women 50 years ago in Disney films, and why it might have made sense for Disney to ever remake this in the first place. Check out the show now!

Happy New Year, friends! As we step into 2017, it's time for Mousterpiece Cinema (and Josh) to welcome its first new co-host in a long time, Scott Renshaw of Salt Lake City Weekly. This week on the show, Josh and Scott talk about the 2001 comedy from director Garry Marshall, The Princess Diaries. These days, The Princess Diaries, all about a dorky teenager who is shocked to discover that she's the heir of a European throne, is best known as the film that introduced Anne Hathaway to the world. Plus, Julie Andrews in a non-cringeworthy late-era performance! But is this lighthearted comedy funny enough? Is it too long, or not long enough? Josh and Scott are joined by Max Weiss of Baltimore Magazine to debate the film's qualities, as well as that true head-scratcher: why do people hate Anne Hathaway now? Only one way to find out the answer: listen to the show!

Hey, friends! It's time for a very momentous episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, so you'd best start listening ASAP. It's not just the final episode of 2016, but this is Gabe's last episode as co-host of the podcast. As Gabe's swan song, we're talking about the 1995 Nancy Meyers-Charles Shyer comedy Father of the Bride, Part II, starring Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, and Martin Short. But leaving aside the inevitable final argument between Josh and Gabe about the quality of this film, there's a much more important question on everyone's minds: who is going to be the new co-host of Mousterpiece Cinema? The answer is in this episode, and it just might have something to do with our guest this week, Scott Renshaw of Salt Lake City Weekly and the new book Happy Place: Living the Disney Parks Life. But we don't want to tell you anything else just yet--check out the show to find out more!

There has been an awakening, friends. Can you feel it? It's--wait, that was last year's movie from the Star Wars franchise, The Force Awakens. We already discussed that on Mousterpiece Cinema! This time around, Josh and Gabe (in his penultimate episode of the show) are talking about the first stand-alone film in the SW franchise, Rogue One. They're joined by return guest and critic for The New Republic, Tim Grierson, for a mammoth-size episode all about Rogue One, the diverse cast, the bleak ending of the film, and, of course, That Special Effect. (If you've seen the movie, you know what we mean.) Is this the best Star Wars movie in over 30 years? Is it just the best one in a year? Is it OK for Tim to bad-mouth The Rocketeer in any form or on any podcast? And can you handle a 2-hour episode of the show? Find out now!

Hey, friends! Christmas is almost here, and this year, that can only mean one thing: we are one episode closer to Gabe's last as co-host of Mousterpiece Cinema. This week, Josh and Gabe are talking about a now-15-year old film that set the standard for countless indie films along with a very well-known TV show: The Royal Tenenbaums, from director Wes Anderson and featuring Gene Hackman, Luke Wilson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anjelica Huston, and more. Josh and Gabe are joined by Keith Phipps of Uproxx (and now a member of the podcast's Five-Timers' Club) to talk about Tenenbaums, its cast, its style, and more. Is it possible that this is one of your hosts' favorite movies ever? Is it possible that your other host thinks it's...not nearly that good? (But pretty good, still.) Find out now!

Hey, folks! It's time for a very important episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, so you'd best prepare yourself. This week, as we approach the holidays, Josh and Gabe are traveling to the magical land of Narnia to celebrate the season with Father Christmas, the White Witch, Mr. Tumnus, and the Pevensies (also Aslan), as they discuss Disney's 2005 adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. But hold on: there is big news in the early going here that you're going to need to listen to. (No joke.) Once the big news is out of the way, and once you all get to wonder what it means for the show in 2017, it's time for Josh and Gabe to discuss this version of Narnia, and whether or not it works outside of Tilda Swinton and James McAvoy's performances. Plus, there's a nice, long takedown of recent comments on female directors in the Star Wars universe, and more. Check out the new show right now!

Hey, friends! It's time for our first episode of December, and we're celebrating by talking about Walt Disney Animation Studios' second film of 2016, Moana. While Zootopia was a big hit back in the spring, hopes are pretty high for Moana, because...well, how could they not be? A new movie from the directors of The Princess and the Frog and The Little Mermaid? Songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda? Co-starring The Rock? The question for Josh and Gabe may not be whether or not this is any good, but how good it is. Josh and Gabe are joined by Angie J. Han, managing editor of Slashfilm, to talk about Moana, the new short Inner Workings, the new songs in this big new movie, diversity, and more. Hop on the nearest boat--you're gonna get hop-ons, you know--and check out the new podcast!

Hey, folks! The holidays are upon us, and Black Friday is in the rearview mirror; with that comes a festive new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema! This week, Josh and Gabe are ringing in Thanksgiving Weekend with...a direct-to-DVD sequel. OK, it's not a very holiday-specific episode of the podcast, but if you listen closely enough, it may well sound like both of your hosts have had some of that classic spiked eggnog in discussing 101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure. Is this adventure deserving of its own film? Do Douglas Sirk references make a movie good? Should voice acting be treated as seriously as live-action acting? Find out the answers to these questions and more on the new podcast!

Hey, friends! It's time for a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and this week, Josh and Gabe are in a festive mood! Well, honestly, it's more accurate to say that Josh and Gabe are in a particularly punchy mood as they discuss the 1991 remake of Father of the Bride, starring Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, Martin Short, and more. Why so punchy? In spite of this being our second post-election podcast, it's the first one we recorded after the 8th, and if you were hoping that meant we'd avoid talking about non-upbeat stuff...well, just skip ahead to 10 minutes into the podcast. (You've been warned.) But don't worry: Josh and Gabe found plenty to argue about regarding Father of the Bride, as well as Diane Keaton. And also Barbra Streisand. What does Babs have to do with this movie? Is this movie actually funny? Does it make sense to sell more hot dog buns than hot dogs? Find out the answers to all these questions on the new episode!

Well, friends, it's time to dust ourselves off after a very long, strange, and painful week and get back to the important business of talking about Marvel movies. Yes, that's right: this episode of Mousterpiece Cinema is all about the latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Strange, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tilda Swinton, Mads Mikkelsen, and more. It's the story of a cocksure white guy with quirky facial hair who gains special abilities after he's disabled in an intense accident. But no, it's not the story of Tony Stark this time, even though it might feel that way. Josh and Gabe are joined by freelance writer Angelica Jade Bastién to talk about this film's character arcs, whitewashing, the notable cast members being misused, and more. Check out the new show now!

We hope you're ready for an exciting episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, friends. With the election bearing down us, what better film to discuss than Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, featuring one of the presidential candidates himself in a very prominent cameo! Why, many people are saying that--wait, hold on a second. Oops, we're actually discussing Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco on this week's podcast, which is a fairly easy mistake to make, seeing as both of these movies are pretty similar. In fact, Josh and Gabe spend a great deal of time on this week's show debating whether or not a repeat of the first film's premise could possibly work, especially with the late Don Ameche replaced here by Ralph Waite as the elderly Shadow. Plus, they debate pop-culture references, big-name cameos, friend-zoning, and yes, there's an earnest plea regarding the election at the very end of the episode. Check the whole thing out now!

We've put a spell on you, listeners, and now, you're ours. That's right, it's time for another scare-ifying episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, and we're closing out Shocktober with a bang and a half. After many long years, Josh and Gabe are finally facing off over a Disney cult favorite, the 1993 film Hocus Pocus, starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as three sisters who are also witches looking to take over the lovely New England hamlet of Salem. But you already know the story, because this is a true classic for many Millennials...so is it actually any good? Josh and Gabe are joined by Louis Peitzman of Buzzfeed to debate the film's quality, the teeth of Bette Midler, and whether the Garry/Penny Marshall cameo is weird or funny. Check out the new show now!

You didn't read that title wrong, friends. This week, on a brand-new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, Gabe and Josh are going back in time to 1996 to talk about one of the most iconic horror films of modern history, Scream. (In case you're wondering, yes, Scream does count for a Disney movie podcast. It does! Promise.) Your hosts are joined by friend of the show Eric Goldman of IGN, who gets into the spooky mood by having a particularly booming, echo-y voice throughout the episode. (Or, Skype was being ornery. That might be it too.) Josh, Gabe, and Eric debate the major issues: is Scream still a potent horror film? Where does it land in Wes Craven's legacy? And what is the deal with Matthew Lillard's performance in this film? Find out the answers now!

Do you have what it takes? Can you pick up the cue and knock in the nine-ball at the right time? It's time to head into the pool hall for a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, as Josh and Gabe are joined by friend of the show Noel Murray to talk about The Color of Money, from some dude named Martin Scorsese. Yes, really, we can talk about a Scorsese movie on the show, and you'll find out why here. As The Color of Money celebrates its 30th anniversary, it's high time to ask if this movie gets an unfair shake from cinephiles and Scorsese fans, or if its status as a good-but-not-great film remains correct. The question is answered on the episode, so listen to find out!

Make sure to keep a weather eye for the next five or ten moves in front of you before you begin listening to this new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. What are you going to do while listening? Exercise? Eat? Do laundry? What about what comes after that? It's thinking like this that lends itself to the game of chess, which is at the heart of this week's film for discussion, Queen of Katwe, Disney's latest true-story film. This one's directed by Mira Nair, and stars Lupita Nyong'o and David Oyelowo; it's set and shot in Uganda and focuses on a girl living in the slums who can make her way out thanks to her gift of playing chess. Gabe and Josh are joined by friend of the show Jason Bailey of Flavorwire to discuss Queen of Katwe, though maybe it's better to say the trio debate the film, and you might be surprised where the dissent comes from. Is this movie worth your time? Is it time for Disney to focus solely on brand deposits? Check out the show to find out!

Hey, friends! It's time for another spooktacular episode of Mousterpiece Cinema as we enter the scare-ifying month of Shock-tober! Boooooo! Anyway, we're kicking the month off appropriately, with another film from once-popular and beloved filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan. This time, we're talking about his 2004 film The Village, well-known now for being the beginning of Shyamalan's fall from grace after a trio of successes. But is that a fair estimation 12 years after the fact, or did people treat the film too harshly? Gabe and Josh are joined once again by Alexander Huls to debate another Shyamalan film, as well as important things like the J. Geils Band, Jurassic World, and the career of Judy Greer. So make sure to avoid the woods and Those We Don't Speak Of, and listen to the new show!

Josh rules, and Gabe drools! Or, if you like, Gabe rules and Josh drools! If that means anything to you, friends, then you are in for an incredible journey on this new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema. This week, your hosts talk about the 1993 film Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, the remake of the 1963 film all about two domesticated dogs and a domesticated cat who traverse the wilderness of North America to return to their loving owners. Only this time, those animals have voices, provided by Don Ameche, Michael J. Fox, and Sally Field. So that must mean this movie is a huge leap above the original with its excessive narration, right? Or is Homeward Bound losing something by having performances, and also by not being about Simon and Garfunkel? And how did Gabe spend last weekend? How wild was he? Find out now!

Hey, friends! Time for a new episode of Mousterpiece Cinema, after a few weeks off. (Yes, really, we're back!) Josh and Gabe are reunited after Josh's unexpected stay in the hospital--don't worry, he's fine--to talk about one of the biggest films they've managed to never cover on the show: the 2010 Disney animated film Tangled. Yes, the story of Flynn Rider, the daring rogue who one day meets a beautiful girl with a lot of hair! OK, fine, this is Disney's long-awaited adaptation of the "Rapunzel" fairy tale, and it sets Josh and Gabe on opposite sides almost immediately. Is this one of Disney's best new animated films? Is it one of their more forgettable? Take a listen to find out which side you're on!

Friends, we hope that you're prepared. We hope you're mentally ready. We hope you are set to embark upon a journey. An exciting journey. A trepidatious and perilous journey. Perhaps even...an incredible journey. If that wasn't enough of a hint, this episode of Mousterpiece Cinema is all about the 1963 film The Incredible Journey, featuring a heroic Siamese cat, a heroic Labrador Retriever, and a heroic English Bull terrier, and very little else. What happens when these three domesticated animals are on their own in the Canadian wilderness? Is it exciting? Is it fascinating? Do Gabe and Josh even care? This one might be more of a howler for them than they'd hoped. Listen to the new show to find out!

Friends, your eyes don't deceive you--this episode of Mousterpiece Cinema is indeed focused on the Disney film about a boy and his dragon in the forest, Pete's Dragon. Of course, there's an important distinction to make--this is the 2016 remake of the 1977 film! (Josh talked about the 1977 film all on his lonesome way back in 2011.) On the bad-news front, Gabe was under the weather and unable to unleash his typical #hottakes for this episode; on the good-news front, Josh was joined by friend of the show Adam Kempenaar of the prolific Filmspotting podcast! Josh and Adam talk about the surprising quality of the 2016 film, the emotionally visceral friendship between Pete and his CGI dragon Elliot, the work of David Lowery (and whether them bodies really are saints), and more! Check it out now.