

The Big Picture
The Ringer
Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins review the movies you need to see. Plus: Top 5s, Movie Drafts, Oscars analysis, and more, featuring a rotating cast of Ringer colleagues like Chris Ryan, Van Lathan, and Bill Simmons.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 4, 2022 • 1h 49min
The Great ‘Avatar’ Debate with Blank Check’s Griffin Newman and David Sims
‘Avatar: The Way of Water,’ the sequel to the most lucrative movie of all time, is slated for the end of this year. Does anyone care? Sean is joined by Griffin Newman and David Sims, hosts of the ‘Blank Check’ podcast, to discuss the lasting impact of James Cameron’s technologically revolutionary behemoth, and more importantly, whether ‘Avatar’ is actually good.Host: Sean FennesseyGuests: Griffin Newman and David SimsProducer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 30, 2022 • 1h 30min
‘Bros’ and Our Top Five 21st Century Comedies
‘Bros,’ Billy Eichner’s first leading role in a feature, is in theaters. Sean and Amanda dig into the movie before sharing their five favorite studio comedies of the century (1:00). Then, Sean is joined by Nicholas Stoller, the director of ‘Bros’ and other comedy installments like ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ and ‘Neighbors,’ to discuss the film and the current state of theatrical comedies in relation to streaming and television (58:00).Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuest: Nicholas StollerProducer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 28, 2022 • 1h 5min
‘Blonde’ and the Top 5 Essential Marilyn Monroe Movies
‘Blonde,’ Andrew Dominik’s long-awaited Marilyn Monroe biopic starring Ana de Armas, is now available on Netflix. Sean and Amanda dissect the film’s handful of successes and numerous, puzzling failures, before discussing Monroe’s titanic impact on movie stardom and the various depictions of her throughout cinema history.Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsProducer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 23, 2022 • 1h 33min
The ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ Fiasco
It’s the movie event of the fall, but not in a good way. Sean and Amanda break down all things ‘Don’t Worry Darling,’ Olivia Wilde’s controversy-racked new thriller, and talk about the most scandalous productions in movie history (2:00). Then, Sean is joined by Brett Morgen, direct of the new David Bowie documentary ‘Moonage Daydream’ (1:05:00).Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuest: Brett MorgenProducer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 20, 2022 • 1h 29min
‘The Woman King’ and 10 Movies to See Now. Plus: The Best and Worst Films at TIFF.
After a quiet few weeks, movies are back in theaters in a big way—and none bigger than Gina Prince-Bythewood’s warrior epic ‘The Woman King.’ Sean and Amanda break down the new Viola Davis vehicle and nine more new releases, including a pair of disturbing horror movies, a David Bowie doc, and, um, ‘Pinocchio’ (2:00). Then, Adam Nayman joins Sean to share a report from the Toronto International Film Festival, including word on Steven Spielberg’s ‘The Fabelmans,’ ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,’ and ‘My Policeman’ (56:00).Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuest: Adam NaymanProducer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 16, 2022 • 1h 21min
The 1980s Comedy Movie Draft
We are drafting again! And we’re widening the scope this time around. Sean, Amanda, and Chris Ryan pick their faves and foil their pals in a draft of 1980s comedy movies.Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuest: Chris RyanProducer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

5 snips
Sep 13, 2022 • 1h 22min
'Barbarian'!!!
Chris Ryan, a writer at The Ringer, joins Zach Cregger, the director of the horror film 'Barbarian,' to dissect its surprising success and genre subversions. They delve into unforgettable moments like the eerie atmosphere of the Airbnb and the shocking plot twists that challenge audience expectations. Cregger shares his journey from comedy to horror, details his innovative directing techniques, and discusses the balance of humor and fear. The conversation reveals insights on toxic masculinity and societal fears, all while praising the film's distinct style.

Sep 9, 2022 • 1h 57min
500th Episode Call-In Spectacular!
We did it—500 episodes! To celebrate, Sean, Amanda, and Bobby are taking your calls and answering your burning questions about their favorite episodes, movie theater experiences, Big-Pic bits, and the future of the show.Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsProducer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 6, 2022 • 1h 47min
10 Way-Too-Early Oscar Predictions and the Best Movies at Telluride
The Oscars Show is back! Sean recounts his biggest takeaways from Telluride and what can be gleaned for the upcoming awards season, before Sean and Amanda share their semi-serious predictions for an Oscars show that is six months away.To call in and leave a voicemail for our 500th episode mailbag, give us a ring at (916) 900-2826. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsProducer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

11 snips
Sep 2, 2022 • 1h 45min
The 2005 Upside-Down Movie Draft
We are drafting again! And we have a twist: Rather than draft the best movies of 2005, we’re looking at some of the worst and making a case for them. Sean, Amanda, and Chris Ryan pick their faves and foil their pals in an upside-down draft of the movies from 2005.Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuest: Chris RyanProducer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


