Filmspotting

3,750

Adam Kempenaar and Josh Larsen review new and classic movies, offering "affable, insightful film analysis since 2005" (NY Times).

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Recent Reviews
  • The Jones 1234
    Awesome
    One of the best film podcasts out there. Bought all of Josh’s books and love listening to each episode, which is thought provoking yet entertaining discussion on the latest movies
  • critterhands
    Insightful
    Adam and Josh are some of the more insightful and smart film podcasters out there. They’re always able to articulate things in a way that helps me better appreciate my time at the movies. And I love their willingness to engage with differing opinions—there’s no defensiveness over a “correct take” and frankly thats sorely missing from most film criticism these days.
  • 95GP
    Two thumbs up
    👍👍
  • Cowstar
    Best film criticism podcast by a mile
    Filmspotting goes far beyond a trustworthy source for reviews - it's fantastic, engaging film criticism from hosts that often constructively disagree. It’s a solid one and I’ve discovered hundreds of fantastic movies from both their regular and film marathon reviews, along with top 5s I’ve now listened for about 16 years!!
  • tcga-mut
    Excellent podcast
    I’ve been listening to movie podcasts for over a decade now, including the filmvault, the Filmcast and many others. These podcasts have guided almost all my movie going experiences. But the podcast that provides the most insightful commentary, and teaches me the most about the movies I watch is Filmspotting. Give it a listen! It’s fun, funny, educational and heartfelt. In other words, you can’t go wrong.
  • OverheadCorn
    Stalwart movie podcast
    Two dads take time off from their day jobs at corn college and oxymoron magazine to talk cinema. This is the best movie podcast produced by Sam “The incinerator” Van Hallgren, and thank you to WBEZ.
  • Danny Pas
    Engaging
    These two always bring such great discussions to the table on old and new films. Always a recommendation to friends looking for something new.
  • scooby123
    The best movie podcast there is
    I’ve been listening to Filmspotting for well more than a decade, and it is unquestionably my favorite movie podcast. Adam and Josh provide great insights and analysis each week, and they’ve also cultivated a wonderful community among fans of the podcast who love to discuss film. I had the pleasure of joining them for an episode this year after winning a fan lottery, and my reward for years and years of listening was getting crushed in a movie draft. Still a great time.
  • hellomynameisdan
    Best movie podcast 10/10
    I’ve been listening for over 10 years and it is the best movie podcast out there! Josh and Adam have the most insightful conversations while also being entertaining and educational. I recommend this podcast to all movie lovers! I think my favorite part is the fact that Josh and Adam don’t waste our time like other podcasts do with lots of rabbit trails and rambling… While there is room for added discussion, it is clear that these two hosts come with a concise and well thought out opinion before they hit the record button. I will always be a huge fan!
  • Djarf27
    The best film podcast out there!
    As a busy teacher and parent, I often forget to listen to several podcasts, but I always make time for each new Filmspotting episode! Quite simply, Filmspotting has educated me, kept me engaged in cinema, and helped me find several blindspots I wouldn’t have sought out otherwise. In additions, as a film teacher, Adam and Josh have made several “appearances” (at least their voices have!) in my classroom, and my students always enjoy listening and learning from them! Some podcasts come and go, but Filmspotting is here to stay!
  • Smelly Tavalas
    Aren’t we all deeply flawed?
    Hosts Adam and Josh consistently offer smart, earnest, and thoughtful insights on current, classic, and not-so classic films. But the unsung hero is producer Sam, who writes a heartfelt newsletter, keeps Josh and Adam on their toes, and comes up with “deeply flawed” polls that make me think deeply about my choices as a film goer. In fact, I would pay good money for a DEEPLY FLAWED T-shirt. Keep up the great work, amigos.
  • Who’s Your Huckleberry
    The best movie podcast
    I’ve been listening to Filmspotting for almost 20 years—since 2005, I have not missed an episode. That’s because it is unmissable. Honestly, sometimes I enjoy Josh and Adam’s talk about movies as much as, or even more than, the movies themselves. There have been numerous discussions of movies that I have never—and some I WOULD never—watch, but the conversation is so rich that I listen with pleasure anyway. 20 more years, please!
  • ESD in Boston
    AI-Assisted Review in Poem Form
    Ode to Filmspotting For over a decade, I’ve tuned in with cheer, To hear Adam and Josh discuss films far and near. Their reviews, both new and classics they bring, Make me laugh, think, and learn about everything. From Top 5 lists to the great Massacre Theater, Where their scene recreations only get sweeter. They dive into genres, directors, and foreign delights, Bringing Film Marathons to expand all our sights. With guests like Dana and Michael in tow, The insights and banter make their wisdom flow. Each episode shines, each deep dive is keen, A joy for film obsessives and casuals between. So here's my recommendation, both simple and true, Filmspotting’s a podcast that’ll capture you too!
  • jjo220
    A joy to listen to
    I may not always agree with the hosts, but I always walk away glad to have heard their perspectives on old and new films.
  • MarshallvstheMachine
    The only podcast a film junkie needs
    I am so grateful this podcast exists. They have the conversations around film that I wish I was having with my own friends and family. They are insightful, funny, and help introduced me to films that I might’ve missed. UPDATE: It has been a few years since I wrote the above review. It has only become more true with time. There are a lot of podcasts about film, but you won’t go wrong sticking with Filmspotting. Update to the update (Sept 2024): This is the only podcast that I have maintained loyalty to. I do not know where else you could find a more enjoyable and thoughtful dissection of film by two guys who simply and sincerely love movies. Smart without being snobbish, thorough without being elitist, Josh and Adam remind me of some of the best elements of Siskel and Ebert (though those two would have likely passionately given two thumbs up to Dune pt 1 and 2, so there is still room for improvement). Do yourself the favor and get hooked!
  • BlueVoid
    The best
    I’ve been listening for nearly 20 years. So I guess they are pretty good. They bring thoughtful film criticism of both old and new films, mixed with lighter fun segments. It’s a perfect combination that doesn’t make it feel too much like film school, but also more insightful then just pop movie fluff commentary.
  • Jason.Montgomery
    Filmspotting - Best Movie Podcast
    If you are interested in movie podcast, look no further than this podcast. Professional, smart, and fun. Skip the others and start here. Undoubtedly the only podcast I would listen to if I lived in an alternate “one podcast only” world.
  • tuckerrking
    My go-to movie podcast
    I stumbled across Filmspotting in 2017, when I switched majors from computer science to film studies. Nearly 8 years later, it’s still my favorite movie podcast out there. Not only are Adam and Josh’s conversations insightful and nuanced, but the regular marathons and Filmspotting Madness each year have given me plenty of reasons to fill in cinematic blindspots. Love the show and don’t expect that to change anytime soon.
  • LizLeBrun
    Exactly what I was looking for
    With each film they choose, I’m always overjoyed by the different theories, opinions, and deep dives they take the listener through. I just finished the Shawshank Redemption episode and even though I’ve seen the film 15+ times, they gave me a new way to appreciate some of the characters, the cinematography and overall story. I do skip episodes of movies I haven’t seen yet(this is not a spoiler-free experience) but all in all this is my favorite film podcast. Definitely give it a listen!
  • grewupinthe80s
    So many discoveries
    I’ve been listening since about ep 20 when Sam was the co-host. I discovered Pedro Almodovar through you guys thanks to an early marathon! And so many other discoveries! I hadn’t listed in about 2 years until I rediscovered you a couple months ago. Love the current format of the show, especially when you guys disagree on a film. The conversation is always respectful, insightful, and thoughtful. We need more of that these days! Thank you for the recent sacred cow review of Shawshank Redemption, one of my all time favorite movies. I thought I knew that movie inside and out but you guys gave me some new ways to think about it and now I can’t wait to watch it again with a focus on Deakins’ cinematography. Thank you! One question for Adam… are you still friends with Matty Ballgame? How’s he doing?
  • CeeGeeBex
    If you love movies, you’ll enjoy this.
    Fun podcast that is part of my regular rotation. These guys have good chemistry and lots of passion for their subjects. Thanks guys!
  • Trozak09
    One of the best podcasts -period
    I’ve been listening to Filmspotting since their review of the Dark Knight, and I’ve been a steady supporter for a long time. I actually haven’t reviewed this show in more than a decade because it is so well done. Not only is the show thoughtful, conversational, comedic, and purposeful, but it sounds like a professional organization produces it. Adam, Josh, and Sam put so much love and care into this podcast that I forget that it’s an act of art an creativity that’s independently run. I urge you to give it a listen. Their back catalogue is incredible, and they do a great job of curating a mix of new and classic reviews.
  • Jeff Graham 91
    Smart but never pretentious
    Love these guys! They are brilliant film scholars but also kind of feel your friend’s dorky dad that you loved catching up with at his barbecue. As a born Ohioan there is something refreshingly Midwest about the way Josh and Adam are able to disagree with such warmth and respect.
  • earima
    fine at 3x speed
    with politics so depressing right now, i’ve been avoiding most podcasts in my feed; so i recently returned to running this podcast in the background for the first time in more than a decade. at 3x speed you can get through the (what seems like) days-long runtimes and overlook all the sports metaphors.
  • scoutfinch56
    Like Taking a Graduate level film class
    I’ve been listening to Filmspotting for at least 5 years now. When I travel to see family, Adam and Josh keep me company and the time just flies by. What I love about their show is that they combine an “Everyman” love of film with their scholarly background. I always learn a ton about films, directors, actors, genres, you name it. Can’t count the number of amazing films I’ve watched, based on hearing their reviews, that were not on my radar. I’ve tried a few other film podcasts (also love The Next Picture Show), but the solid foundation of cinema academia is not always present (and way too much giggling, fan girl/boy talk). Please don’t think that because of what I wrote that their show is stuffy and erudite. Not at all! Totally entertaining.
  • adamwhite78
    Best film pod out there
    Josh n Adam have an incredible chemistry and a vast knowledge of film, not to mention a deep love for movies. The best movie podcast out there.
  • the_cracken
    Long time listener
    I’ve been a listener since 2008 and the show has been simultaneously entertaining and instrumental in expanding my cinematic tastes and education.
  • Val City Gal
    Enjoyable
    Enjoyable and enlightening show!
  • Johnnn and stuff
    Capturing the fun and art of filmmaking
    I think a good film critic is a film lover who also understands the context of the film and the conversation it’s having with other filmmakers and culture in general. These guys do that and it makes listening really fun and engaging.
  • CineFletch
    Grateful for my weekly dose of cinephilia
    Back in 2018 I took myself on a solo movie date to see Alex Garland's latest, Annihilation. I left the theater needing to talk about this rich and fascinating movie with a bonkers ending, but I didn't know anyone who had seen it yet. So I opened up the apple podcasts app, searched the film title, and up popped Filmspotting with Adam and Josh offering a review. As a self-admitted film snob, I was grateful for the way they passionately discussed the movie with insight and thoughtfulness. I returned for a new episode the following week, and have been coming back every week for the past six years. I appreciate how they keep me abreast of the latest arthouse fare while not being too pretentious to discuss recent blockbusters. And with a great mix of contemporary and classic cinema, I have the perfect excuse to continue my solo movie dates AND rent classic films I haven't seen before or haven't seen in far too long. Keep up the exceptional work!
  • DanDadRock
    Born to pod
    Adam and Josh were born to do this. They are professionals through and through.
  • Hoops Maniac
    Go-To Film Podcast
    Easily the most intelligent, articulate, upbeat, and entertaining film podcast I’ve come across. I’ve been a loyal listener for years, and I always recommend Filmspotting to anyone I know, whether they watch 10 movies per year or are a loyal cinephile like myself.
  • skibythebay
    Discussion Focussed Film Podcast
    Adam and Josh begin each review as if interviewing each other, asking how they approached the film or how their assumptions were challenged during the film. I'd rather be in the room discussion the film at hand in person. But each week's podcast is the next best thing.
  • Jeff from Springfield
    Love these Guys!
    Adam and Josh both have soothing voices and speak with wit and intelligence! They cover new releases but also look back at older films. Highly recommend!
  • Kolchaks
    Dune 2 review
    You raved about everything that really didn’t work in this movie. So, … yeah.
  • Kotch 22
    Perfect Movie Podcast
    It’s likely been said in plenty of reviews before mine, but this podcast really does have something for everyone. Whether you seek out arthouse fare or only go to the cinema for MCU installments, Adam and Josh have you covered. Personally, I like to use Filmspotting to hold myself accountable in correcting blind spots. Thanks to their marathons and ouvreviews, I finally got around to gems like Double Indemnity, In the Mood for Love, and plenty of others. I started listening some time around the Great Battle of Three Billboards and have been hooked ever since. Now I’m a proud member of the Filmspotting family and attended my first Triviaspotting last month, contributing roughly 0 correct answers (sorry Sam). Oh well, maybe next time.
  • AndrewGODUCKS
    Best film discussion podcast
    Thoughtful and insightful discussions on new releases as well as a deeper dive into other movies that may have missed your radar. I have relied on Adam and Josh for the last several years, and greatly appreciate what they do to promote small/independent film (their golden brick discussions) while still keeping pace with larger releases too. They’ve filled the void that was created with the passing of Ebert and Siskel, and keep intelligent film discussion alive and well. My favorite weekly podcast!
  • scuda72
    Favorite podcast
    I come here because my friends don’t discuss movies at this level and I LOVE movie chitchat. This has been my favorite podcast since before the pandemic. Great for work, walks, driving to the theater!!! Kudos guys!
  • SomeguyinIndiana
    The best film podcast
    Adam and Josh are great, I hope the show lasts forever. They are both very articulate and analytical, but never stuffy. There is a good sense of humor throughout which helps keep things light. They have a real appreciation of film history and have a nice balance of new reviews and classic discussion. I've been listening on and off for about a decade now. One of these years I hope to make a live show. Future madness ideas...Best Animated Film, Best Internetional Film, Best Science Fiction Film...Adam's Top 32 on one side vs Josh's too 32 on the other
  • MarkChicagoIL
    Deleted review
    Deleted review
  • Olive juice456
    Indispensable conversations
    In an time when most of us are struggling to argue about things in politically fraught situations, what an enormous service Josh and Adam provide by modeling respectful, good-humored, and spirited argument about the stories that animate our culture. This show has become an indispensable companion for Saturday chores. But these conversations aren’t a chore; they’re a labor of movie love.
  • addem_
    great show
    love the show, will write a more elaborate review soon
  • cassidy525
    Meh
    I’ve listened to this podcast for a long time. Lately I feel like it’s really lacking. Step up your analytical skills, guys. I will stop listening if they don’t step up their game. Feels limited and boring lately.
  • Pop Fisher
    Smart and funny
    I always enjoy the episodes even when I don’t agree with their opinions.
  • DaveFY
    It’s Like Hanging With Your Friends . . .
    . . . if your friends are film geeks. Seriously, I’ve been listening to this show since shortly after Josh joined and it just keeps getting better. The reviews of current films keeps you up to date on what you might want to see while the retrospective reviews, marathons, and more help you increase your knowledge of the movies of yesteryear.
  • atlantamovienerd
    Highly recommend for any movie-lover
    I started listening in 2020 while quarantining and was completely new to movie criticism. The first episodes I listened to were part 1 and part 2 of the Top 10 Movies of 2019. What a great year for movies! I loved the in-depth and thoughtful conversation around each movie, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Thank you Adam, Josh, and Sam for taking the movies seriously but never taking yourselves too seriously. I’ve learned a lot from you!
  • JAKinchen
    Still the best . . . .
    My go-to podcast for movies for many years. Checking in every week with Adam and Josh is a visit with old friends - cordial, information, and fun. Cannot recomment this podcast enough.
  • cousinillya
    Everything a film lover needs
    Been listening since 2008. Adam and Josh are smart, funny, and entertaining. There's stuff here for everybody. Every show gives time to new releases, indies, classic films. You'll often hear some really in-depth analysis, which, somehow, is offered in a way that is accessible to even the casual movie buff. Highly recommended.
  • Tim drew
    Commuting cure for movie lovers
    Love their analysis and care that they put into crafting each episode
  • Food lover Luke
    Required Listening for Film Buffs
    I’ve been a loyal listener of Filmspotting for about 8 years now. Adam and Josh offer some of the best insight available into film! Their approach is thorough, intelligent, and always entertaining. While their analysis and deep dives into various auteurs is certainly a highlight, one thing that sets this podcast apart from others is the hosts’ genuine interest in engaging with listeners. I’ve been shouted out on the show twice, and I’m even writing this review while wearing a Filmspotting t shirt I received after correctly guessing their “Massacre Theatre” segment! What’s more, I’ve just purchased tickets to their upcoming live event in Los Angeles, where I look forward to meeting the gang in person and explaining why they’re (somewhat) wrong about Asteroid City. Long love Filmspotting! -Luke Stanaway
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