Maltin On Movies

Alec Baldwin joins Leonard from New York City through the magic of the internet to chat about the joy of doing his podcast "Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin," his memories of working in Tim Burton's modern classic Beetlejuice, and the tradition of staying up late watching classic films on television with his father when he was young. Plus, Alec recommends some of his favorite unsung movies.

Traveling troubadour of comedy Dana Gould returns to join Leonard to talk about practical effects vs. special effects, Don Knotts in hysterical comedy-horror film The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, and the 1943 horror film I Walked with a Zombie from producer Val Lewton. Plus, Dana tells us about his new comedy-horror series Stan Against Evil based on his father.

Jessie Maltin is back to answer some listener questions addressed to Leonard including: his thoughts on Lost in Translation, the future of the Disney treasures, which classic films he would introduce to a younger audience, and much more. Plus, Leonard recommends some sleepers that are currently in theaters such as the Italian-French erotic-thriller A Bigger Splash starring Tilda Swinton and Ralph Fiennes.

Actor, comedian, and fellow movie lover Samm Levine is back to join Leonard for a discussion of films of the 1980s: the box-office hits, enduring favorites, and titles we’ve all forgotten. They also discuss remakes, what it means for a movie to be considered a classic, and the pre-computer & post-cellphone eras in film.

77 Susan Sarandon by Earwolf

Filmmaker and film lover Joe Dante (Gremlins, Matinee) joins Leonard to talk about writing for the horror/science fiction film magazine Castle of Frankenstein, going from creating trailers to making a feature film of his own, and his classic and cult movies based web series Trailers From Hell. Plus, Joe recommends some unsung favorite films such as John Farrow’s 1948 film noir The Big Clock.

The multi-talented Paul Scheer of How Did This Get Made? joins Leonard to talk about his podcast unearthing gems like the Village People's Can't Stop the Music, wearing out the VHS tapes of movies he recorded as a kid, and the ground rules for doing a remake. Plus, Paul recommends some of his favorite films from the golden age of Hollywood including the 1934 comedy-mystery The Thin Man.

Comedian and actor Gilbert Gottfried joins Leonard and Baron to talk about growing up in New York watching old movies on late-night TV, doing impressions of Humphrey Bogart as he started doing stand-up at the age of 15, and how his lifelong passion for old movies has informed his comedy. Plus, Gilbert recommends some unsung movies you should seek out, including 1968's The Swimmer starring Burt Lancaster.

This week, Leonard and Baron discuss the works of the extraordinary Cate Blanchett and focus on three films in which she disappears into her role: the great Notes On a Scandal, a movie that got a bum rap when it was released, and the Sam Raimi directed supernatural thriller The Gift.

Screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski have a terrific skill writing movies about real people in their films Ed Wood, Man on the Moon, and Big Eyes—not to mention The People vs. O.J.. They join Leonard this week to discuss how they went from writing Problem Child to biopics, adding their own life experience into their writing, and why their Robert Ripley & Marx Brothers projects never got made. Plus, they recommend some underrated films that have influenced them.

Recorded live at South by Southwest 2016, Leonard, Baron, and Jessie discuss three movies based on True Stories: the 2011 Richard Linklater comedy Bernie starring Jack Black, a semi-biographical sports drama that you should avoid, and Errol Morris' unpredictable 1997 documentary Fast, Cheap & Out of Control.

Filmmaker Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter, Mud) joins Leonard to discuss his terrific new sci-fi chase film Midnight Special, which is best appreciated on a theater screen. Jeff explains why he continues to shoot on film, how he began his collaboration with Michael Shannon, directing child actor Jaeden Lieberher, and making the moviegoing experience special. He also reveals which movies have influenced him as a fan and a filmmaker.

Recorded live at South by Southwest 2016, comedian, storyteller, filmmaker Mike Birbiglia and storyteller Ira Glass join Leonard, Baron, and Jessie to discuss Mike's new film which is produced by Ira, Don't Think Twice. It tells the story of the friendship between members of a New York improv group that is put to the test when their lease is up and one of them lands a TV show. Plus, Mike and Ira recommend a couple of films that you should revisit.

Filmmaker John Sayles joins Leonard and Baron to talk about how he came to make his first feature, Return of the Secaucus 7, as well as The Brother from Another Planet, Eight Men Out, Matewan, and other indie milestones. He also discusses directing music videos with Bruce Springsteen, his process working with actors, and two of his favorite sleepers.

Leonard and Baron return this week to talk about three Sports movies: the delightful 1992 film A League of Their Own, a star-studded turkey that you can skip, and a 40-year-old Motown sleeper called The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings.

This week Leonard and his daughter Jessie shine on a light on some unsung foreign films worth seeing. They recommend three spectacular sleepers: Mariana Chenillo's Mexican drama Nora's Will, Susanne Bier's Danish film Brothers, and Nimród Antal's Hungarian comedy–thriller Kontroll.

Lenny Abrahamson, director of the critically acclaimed Room, which earned Brie Larson an Oscar nomination, joins Leonard, Baron, and Jessie to talk about the letter he wrote to persuade novelist Emma Donoghue to adapt it for the screen, his love of Laurel & Hardy, and one of his favorite sleepers, Margaret (2011) with Anna Paquin, Matt Damon, and Mark Ruffalo.

Leonard is joined this week by his newlywed daughter Jessie! In celebration of this momentous occasion, they take a look at some of the great marriages in movies. From 1998's Polish Wedding to 2006's Confetti, Leonard and Jessie discuss which wedding movies you'll absolutely adore and one you should avoid.

Inspired by the 2016 Oscar Nominees, Leonard and Baron discuss the movies of two actors and one filmmaker: Brie Larson in the tremendous Short Term 12, a turkey from Sylvester Stallone, and a sleeper by the name of Win Win from Spotlight director Tom McCarthy.

Leonard is joined by his ReelzChannel partner, the irrepressible Grae Drake, Senior Editor of Rotten Tomatoes. Grae recalls some of her unique press junket experiences, which include getting her own Bond Girl name from Dame Judi Dench and leaving Dustin Hoffman speechless. They also discuss two favorite films of 2015 that aren’t part of the Oscar conversation: 99 Homes and Me and Earl and the Dying Girl.