Phil and Emily continue our Patreon mini series on Oscar-winning Best Director follow-ups from the 2000s with Peter Jackson’s ambitious epic King Kong. Joined by critic, screenwriter, and podcaster Drew McWeeny, they revisit Jackson’s sprawling remake of the 1933 classic and unpack how the film reflects both his greatest strengths and his boldest excesses in the wake of The Lord of the Rings.From Naomi Watts’s luminous performance to the groundbreaking visual effects that brought Kong to life, they discuss how Jackson poured his lifelong obsession into a film that feels both deeply personal and unwieldy in scope. The conversation explores Kong’s emotional depth, the film’s place in mid-2000s blockbuster culture, and why its mix of grandeur and messiness makes it one of the most fascinating entries in Jackson’s career.If you want more exclusive deep-dive episodes, Q&As, and mini series, support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/PodcastLikeIts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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58: Oliver Twist with Bryan Cogman
Phil and Emily continue their mini series on Oscar-winning Best Director follow-ups from the 2000s with Oliver Twist (2005), Roman Polanski’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic. They’re joined by writer and producer Bryan Cogman, who may be one of the few people to have actually seen the film in theaters.The conversation dives into Polanski’s unexpected choice to follow The Pianist with this family-oriented Dickens adaptation, why it feels strangely muted compared to both the director’s darker films and other Dickens adaptations, and how Ben Kingsley’s nuanced turn as Fagin stands out amidst an otherwise flat production. Together, they unpack Dickens’ enduring influence, the many Oliver Twist adaptations across history, and how this version fits into Polanski’s complicated legacy and the cinematic landscape of 2005.If you want more deep-dive discussions, exclusive mini series, and bonus content, join our Patreon at patreon.com/PodcastLikeIts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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57: The Missing with Patrick Cotnoir
Phil and Emily continue their miniseries on Oscar winning Best Director follow ups from the 2000s with Ron Howard’s The Missing. With guest Patrick Cotnoir (The George Lucas Talk Show), they revisit this overlooked Western thriller starring Cate Blanchett and Tommy Lee Jones.The discussion explores Blanchett’s powerful performance, Jones’ turn as an estranged father, Daniel Craig’s early role, and why the film faded from memory despite prestige ambitions after A Beautiful Mind. They also look at Ron Howard’s career pivots and the awards landscape of the early 2000s.For exclusive episodes and bonus content, join at patreon.com/PodcastLikeIts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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56: Road to Perdition with Blake Howard
Phil and Emily continue their miniseries on Oscar winning Best Director follow ups from the 2000s with Road to Perdition, Sam Mendes’ ambitious second feature after American Beauty. Joining them is film journalist and podcaster Blake Howard (One Heat Minute Productions), who helps unpack the film’s technical brilliance, subdued emotional core, and unique place in early 2000s cinema.Together, they dive into Mendes’ leap from stage to screen, the film’s striking cinematography from Conrad Hall, and how Tom Hanks’ against type performance reshaped audience expectations. The conversation explores Paul Newman’s final live action role, Jude Law’s scene stealing menace, and Daniel Craig’s early career turn as one of cinema’s most dangerous nepo babies. They also debate Thomas Newman’s Oscar nominated score, the film’s release strategy, and how it stands among Mendes’ eclectic career from Jarhead to Skyfall and beyond.With insights ranging from Jude Law’s underrated presence to the legacy of Paul Newman and Tom Hanks’ evolving star persona, this episode is both a reconsideration of a Depression era gangster story and a reflection on the pressures of following up an Oscar winning debut. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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55: Ocean’s 11 with Liz Hannah & Brian Millikin
Phil and Emily continue their miniseries on Oscar-winning Best Director follow-ups from the 2000s with Steven Soderbergh’s effortlessly cool Ocean’s 11. Joined by screenwriter Liz Hannah and producer Brian Millikin, they unpack how this slick, stylish remake redefined the modern heist film. From its razor-sharp script and effortless ensemble chemistry to Soderbergh’s precision, tonal balance, and inventive production choices, the discussion explores how Ocean’s 11 rose above formula to become a timeless crowd-pleaser. Along the way, they dive into character dynamics, behind-the-scenes decisions, and the film’s lasting place in early 2000s cinema—all while celebrating the undeniable charm of Clooney, Pitt, and company.If you enjoy this episode and want even more deep-dive film discussions, exclusive mini-series, and bonus content, join our Patreon community at patreon.com/PodcastLikeIts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Through Podcast Like It's... writers Phillip Iscove (Co-Creator of FOX's Sleepy Hollow), Kenny Neibart (Entourage, Hindsight) and now Emily St. James explore some of the best years in film, music and television. It all started in 1999, then 1989, then 2009 and now 1992! Follow Phil, Kenny and Emily as they dive into some of your favorite movies, TV shows and musicians! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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