Why Watch That Radio

Hey, listeners! Welcome to another episode that's chock full of goodies! Here they are: our reviews of Ava DuVernay's "13th" and Nate Parker's "The Birth of a Nation," our continued coverage of the 54th New York Film Festival, even more of our takes on new fall TV shows, a timely "Did You Know," and a "Pick of the Week" that delivers. Enjoy! For complete info and more, click here! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Wow, listeners! Since there’s so much going on in the world of Film/TV, the Critic and the Referee have a lot to discuss (and keep up with). In this episode, they give you their takes on what they’ve seen, so far, at the New York Film Festival. (The festival’s public screenings begin Friday, September 30.) They also give you the highlights from the Urbanworld Film Festival, which just ended. But that’s not all. Two major films are in wide release Friday, so they just had to review them. The first film review is of “Deepwater Horizon,” which stars Mark Wahlberg, Kurt Russell, John Malkovich, Gina Rodriguez, and Kate Hudson. The second is of “Queen of Katwe,” which screened at Urbanworld and stars Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo. (“Queen of Katwe” is already in limited release in selected cities.) But, even that isn’t all. What about Fall TV? New TV shows get the Why Watch That treatment. Plus, of course, there are a “Did You Know?” and a “Pick of the Week” that you don’t want to miss. Dig in! For complete inf

Well, well, well, listeners! The Critic and the Referee recorded their instant reaction to this Sunday’s Emmys ceremony! What do they think about the winners and the losers? You know you’ll find out when you listen! Plus, they have two intriguing reviews for you! The first review is of “The Dressmaker,” a peculiar film that stars Kate Winslet. (By the way, our interview with director Jocelyn Moorhouse is available on our site. Check it out!) The second review is of the highly anticipated “The Magnificent Seven,” which, of course, stars Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, and more … in a western! Take a listen! For complete info, visit whywatchthat.com! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Listeners, we have an extra special treat for you! In this episode, the Critic and the Referee are joined by a very special guest: actor-writer-director Lawrence Saint-Victor! Lawrence first came to our attention as Remy Boudreau in “Guiding Light.” He also starred in “The Bold and the Beautiful” as Carter Walton, and he even made an entertaining appearance in “Ugly Betty,” among others. To celebrate some recent TV shows we love, Lawrence joins us to discuss some of our favorites. In addition, the Critic and the Referee review “The Vessel,” which stars Martin Sheen, and “Operation Avalanche,” which reimagines what happened at NASA and the CIA during the Cold War. Both films release this Friday. This is a good one! For complete info and more, visit whywatchthat.com! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This episode is jam-packed with our takes on upcoming movies and TV shows that release this month! Find out what’s coming soon to a theater or TV screen near you and whether it will appeal to you. In addition, we give you our review of “Kicks,” which opens in selected theaters this Friday. Plus, our “Pick of the Week” celebrates the birthdays of Naomie Harris and Idris Elba, and our “Did You Know” segment is all about one of the most beloved actors in the world. You don’t want to miss this episode! For complete info & more, visit whywatchthat.com! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

HBO’s hit limited series “The Night Of” just ended, so the Critic couldn’t wait to share his thoughts about it with you. How does he feel about the way things ended? You’ll have to listen to find out. In addition, the Critic and the Referee discuss the return of AMC’s “Halt and Catch Fire” and “Fear the Walking Dead” and FX’s “The Strain” and the start of SundanceTV’s “Gomorrah.” But that’s not all! The Critic also gives you his review of “Max Rose,” a film that stars icon Jerry Lewis; and the Ref gives you her verdict on the well-received western, “Hell or High Water,” which stars Chris Pine, Ben Foster, and Jeff Bridges. Lastly, our hosts challenge you to figure out which movie star went to high school with Snoop Dogg in our “Did You Know” segment and provide a timely “Pick of the Week”: “Narcos,” which returns with its second season on Friday. This episode has something for everyone! For detailed info, visit whywatchthat.com! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

He burst onto the scene as the star of "District 9" and has appeared in many other sci-fi/action/adventure films since then, including the upcoming "Free Fire." But, on Friday, Sharlto Copley stars in ... a dramedy, called "The Hollars"! Director-producer John Krasinski ("The Office") also stars in the film, along with Margo Martindale, Richard Jenkins, Anna Kendrick, and Josh Groban — yes, Josh Groban! Listen to our engaging and insightful interview with Sharlto and our review of the film. Plus, we have a related "Pick of the Week" ("District 9") and a "Did You Know?" that you don't want to miss! Take a listen! For more info, visit whywatchthat.com! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It’s been a while since we last talked TV, so the Critic and the Referee decided to delve into the recent offerings from HBO and Netflix. The Critic gives his takes on “Ballers,” “Vice Principals,” “Looking: The Movie,” “The Little Prince,” and “The Get Down.” But, will those offerings appeal to you? Listen to find out! In addition, we have a “Sneak Peek” at “Imperium”: Daniel Radcliffe, once again, proves that he’s willing to take risks in his career. The Critic will give you an idea of whether you should go see this in a movie theater. Our “Did You Know?” segment hilariously references one of the stars of the upcoming “Ben-Hur” remake, and the “Pick of the Week” is in preparation for the return of AMC’s “Halt and Catch Fire.” Dive in! For more info, visit whywatchthat.com! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week, we have not one, not two, but three different “Sneak Peeks” for you! In this episode, the Critic and the Referee review “Anthropoid,” which stars Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan, “Joshy,” which stars Thomas Middleditch of HBO’s “Silicon Valley,” and “Blood Father,” which marks the return of Mel Gibson to the big screen. Each film releases Friday, August 12. In addition, our “Did You Know?” segment focuses on one of the most beloved actresses in the world, and our “Pick of the Week” is in honor of Melanie Griffith’s birthday. Enjoy! For more info, visit whywatchthat.com! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Will Smith is and has been one of the most powerful movie stars in the world. So, right in time for the release of “Suicide Squad” on Friday, the Critic and the Referee decided to take a trip down the memory lane of his filmography. But, of course, that’s not it! They also come back to this question: Whatever happened to …? You won’t believe the actors they chose. Plus, our “Did You Know?” also pertains to “Suicide Squad,” and the “Pick of the Week” is a beloved — by some — sci-fi trilogy that’s now available on Amazon Prime. Enjoy! For more info, visit whywatchthat.com! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, we have a special treat for you! The Critic and the Referee got a chance to interview the director, Meera Menon, and writer, Amy Fox, of “Equity” — a new film starring Anna Gunn, Alysia Reiner, Sarah Megan Thomas, and James Purefoy that opens Friday, July 29. It provides a groundbreaking look at Wall Street from women’s perspectives: Women are the driving force of the film, both in front of and behind the camera. Plus, the Critic and the Referee give their own thoughts on the film overall. In addition, they discuss another film that releases this Friday — “Indignation,” starring Logan Lerman, Sarah Gadon, and Tracy Letts. Furthermore, for our “Did You Know?” segment, they ponder this question: Is Jason Bourne real or fake? (You’ll have to listen to figure that one out!) And, they celebrate the great career of Garry Marshall, who recently passed away, in their “Pick of the Week.” This episode’s chock full of goodies. Enjoy! For more info, visit whywatchthat.com! See acast.com/privacy for priva

The Critic and the Referee decided to check in on summer TV once more! In this episode, they discuss the Outlander finale, the returns of Suits and Mr. Robot, the premiere of The A Word, and the full season of Stranger Things. Plus, they revisit the McGuffin and the importance of the narrative force by highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of some TV shows and a movie. Lastly, there’s a special birthday version of “Did You Know?” and a “Pick of the Week” that’s a blast from the recent past. Dive in! For more info, visit whywatchthat.com! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, in response to recent events in this country, the Critic and the Referee decided to highlight films of triumph. From Selma to Erin Brockovich, they present both expected and unexpected films that feature characters who strive to overcome. But, that’s not it! Since this year’s Emmy nominees will be announced this Thursday (July 14), the Critic and the Referee also talk about the TV shows and performances that they think deserve some recognition at this year’s festivities. Plus, they provide an absolutely hilarious “Did You Know?” and a “Pick of the Week” that the Critic is excited about — HBO’s The Night Of. This episode has a little something for everyone. Enjoy! For more info, visit whywatchthat.com! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Summer TV is here to stay! And, the Critic and the Referee are doing their best to bring you their thoughts on the latest and (sometimes) greatest offerings now available. They dive into the second season of Marco Polo, Greenleaf, American Gothic, Queen of the South, Thirteen, the return of Zoo, and Marcella. In addition, they discuss Captain Fantastic, a new film starring Viggo Mortensen that you don’t want to miss. Plus, don’t forget about “Did You Know?” and the “Pick of the Week”!   For more info, visit whywatchthat.com! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hey, listeners! Game of Thrones just ended, so the Critic wanted to share his thoughts with the Referee and you! In addition, our co-hosts discuss the season finales of Veep and Silicon Valley, the return of Ray Donovan, and the debut of Cameron Crowe’s Roadies. Plus, they talk about two films that are available to stream online, right now: Trumbo and The Fundamentals of Caring. For the “Did You Know?” and “Pick of the Week” segments, you’ll have to listen to find out. Enjoy! For more info, visit whywatchthat.com! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The new season of Orange Is the New Black is upon us! And, the Critic has watched every episode of Netflix’s critically acclaimed hit. So, listen to find out whether this season is worth the binge. In addition, the Critic and the Referee discuss the return of Another Period and the debuts of BrainDead, Uncle Buck, Wrecked, and Animal Kingdom. You’ll find out which shows will tickle your fancy. On the film side of things, we bring you our reviews of The Duel (starring Woody Harrelson and Liam Hemsworth), which will be in theaters and On Demand June 24, and The Neon Demon (starring Dakota Fanning and Jena Malone), which will also be in theaters on the 24th. Finally, there’s a “Did You Know?” that commemorates the career of Anton Yelchin, a wonderful young actor who surely will be missed. For more info, visit whywatchthat.com. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week, the Critic and the Referee decided to check back in with TV! What do they have to say about the season finale of The Americans, the premieres of some new shows (Preacher, Cleverman, and Feed the Beast), and the premieres of some returning shows (Penny Dreadful and Bloodline)? You’ll have to listen to find out! In addition, in case you missed it, we’ve included our “Sneak Peek” of The Conjuring 2. Plus, we certainly didn’t forget to include an illuminating “Did You Know?” and a well-deserved “Pick of the Week.” Well, what are you waiting for? Dive in! (Visit whywatchthat.com for more info!) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum – the director of “Careful What You Wish For,” a film that opens this Friday and stars Nick Jonas, Dermot Mulroney, Isabel Lucas, and more – dropped by for an interview with the Critic and the Referee. Is this the film that will help you beat the heat or possibly turn it up? Listen to find out! Also, the Ref got a chance to see “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping,” which stars Andy Samberg. Can you guess what she thought about it? Lastly, we chose the remake of “Roots” as our “Pick of the Week” (Did you see it?) and a “Did You Know?” that you probably don’t know. This is a good one!   Interview   Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum (director of “Careful What You Wish For” – In Theaters, iTunes and On Demand June 10th)   FILM SYNOPSIS (from Starz Digital): While working in a wealthy vacation community the summer before college, Doug (Nick Jonas, “Kingdom”, “Scream Queens”) begins an affair with the beautiful young wife (Isabel Lucas, “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”) of his powerful invest

The heat is on! In this episode, the Critic and the Referee discuss the newly released X-Men: Apocalypse in the context of how today’s Hollywood handles the Summer Blockbuster. What aspects of superhero movies do they love, and which aspects do they wish were used more fully? Find out! In addition, they go through one more round of TV finales, including Blindspot, Nashville, The Path, Fear the Walking Dead, and The Night Manager. And, as always, there’s a “Pick of the Week” that you’ve got to see and a “Did You Know?” segment that you won’t see coming. Well, what are you waiting for? Dive in!   X-Men: Apocalypse & the Summer Blockbuster   X-Men: Apocalypse: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3385516/?ref_=nv_sr_1 X-Men: Days of Future Past: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1877832/?ref_=nv_sr_2 Captain America: Civil War: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3498820/?ref_=nv_sr_1 Captain America: The Winter Soldier: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1843866/?ref_=nv_sr_2 Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice: http://www.imdb.com/title

Hello there, listeners! In honor of Memorial Day, the Critic and the Referee decided to bring you a bonus episode! First, they give you a sneak peek at Alice Through the Looking Glass. This sequel opens this weekend, but is it worth seeing in a movie theater? Find out! In addition, they give you a first look at All the Way, an HBO movie that you can watch, right now, from the comfort of your own home. But, should you? You’ll know after you listen to what the Critic and the Referee have to say! Enjoy!   Links   Alice Through the Looking Glass: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2567026/?ref_=nv_sr_1 All the Way: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3791216/?ref_=nv_sr_1 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.