What Are You Watching?
A podcast for people who LOVE movies. Filmmakers/best friends, Alex Withrow and Nick Dostal, do their part to keep film alive. Thanks for listening, and happy watching!
179: Halloween (1978) Commentary | Halloween Every Week
Alex completed his 2025 movie challenge of watching John Carpenterâs âHalloweenâ once a week for the entire year.Â
In Part 1 (00:01:10) of this episode, Alex does a solo commentary on the film, reporting all the fun things he learned by watching the movie so much.Â
In Part 2 (01:32:03), Alex brings Nick on to talk about every âHalloweenâ sequel, the four franchise timelines, John Carpenterâs music, the worst âHalloween,â Sam Raimiâs âSend Help,â and much more.
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178: 2026 Oscar Nominations (Uncut)
Alex and Nick break down the 2026 Oscar nominations. The guys discuss âOne Battle After Anotherâ landing 13 nominations (!!), âSentimental Valueâsâ surprise showing, and how Ryan Cooglerâs âSinnersâ smashed the Oscar nomination record and will likely go on to win Best Picture.
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177: Top 10 Films of 2025
Alex and Nick list their favorite films of 2025. The guys discuss all the foreign, indie, and mainstream films that worked for them, a few bigger movies that did not, probable Oscar nominees, and so much more.
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176: Klute (1971) | The Parallax View (1974) | All the Presidentâs Men (1976)
Alex and Nick end season 1 of the WAYW New Hollywood Film Project with Alan J. Pakula's Paranoid Thriller Trilogy. KLUTE, THE PARALLAX VIEW, and ALL THE PRESIDENTâS MEN are three of the best New Hollywood films.
The guys break down each film, Pakulaâs career, Gordon Willisâ astonishing work as a cinematographer, the current state of journalism, Watergate, âDeep Throat,â JFK, sex work, and so much more.
Part 10 of the WAYW New Hollywood Film Project.
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175: The Way Back (2020)
Alex and Nick discuss alcoholism, depression, losing parents, Ben Affleckâs best work, and Gavin OâConnorâs âThe Way Backâ. This episode is as real as What Are You Watching gets.
Watch Alex and Nick's film, "I Am Alive," for free online.
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174: Licorice Pizza (2021) Commentary
Assassinâs focus. Gritted teeth and fixed bayonets. The âLicorice Pizzaâ commentary is here!Â
Hang out with Alex and Nick as they watch Paul Thomas Andersonâs love letter to LA. Stray topics include PTA/Haim music videos, favorite Haim albums/songs, Bradley Cooperâs career, Oscar chances for âOne Battle After Another,â peanut butter sandwiches, and much more. âIâm coming, Nancy!â
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173: Saturday Night Fever (1977)
John Badhamâs âSaturday Night Feverâ is so much more than a fun disco movie. Alex and Nick break down the filmâs hilarious dinner conversations, John Travoltaâs thrilling dance scenes, and the movieâs unexpected sequences of real life.Â
Early in the episode, Alex shares his radical theory about âPulp Fictionâ that heâs been afraid to share for years.
Part 9 of the WAYW New Hollywood Film Project.
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172: Serpico (1973)
The WAYW New Hollywood Film Project continues with a â70s classic, Sidney Lumetâs âSerpico.â Alex and Nick discuss Al Pacino in his first starring role, Lumetâs 50-year career, police corruption, whistleblowers, roast beef sandwiches, the real Frank Serpico, the maniac who co-wrote the screenplay, and much more.
For WAYW, the guys briefly review new films from Benny Safdie, Guillermo del Toro, Richard Linklater, and Yorgos Lanthimos.
Part 8 of the WAYW New Hollywood Film Project.
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171: One Battle After Another (2025)
There are no spoilers in this episode. As Alex and Nick give their glowing review of Paul Thomas Andersonâs âOne Battle After Another,â topics include attending an LA premiere, the filmâs Oscar chances, Alexâs recent brush with death, Nickâs recent brush with death, Top 5 Leonardo DiCaprio performances, re-ranking PTAâs filmography, meeting Colin Farrell, and much more.
For WAYW, the guys review new movies from Daniel Day-Lewis(!), Derek Cianfrance, Kathryn Bigelow, Luca Guadagnino, Rebecca Miller, Paul Greengrass, Edward Berger, and more.
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170: Shampoo (1975)
âHey, listen, baby, I'm a star.â Alex and Nick discuss the â70s hangout movie masterpiece, âShampoo.â Alex explains why star/writer/producer Warren Beatty set the film on Election Day 1968, before the guys break down the filmâs production design, costumes, and hair, the unique charms of Julie Christie, Goldie Hawn, and Jack Warden, how the great Lee Grant was blacklisted from Hollywood and came back to win an Academy Award for the film, and much more.
Part 7 of the WAYW New Hollywood Film Project.
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169: Remembering Robert Redford
Alex looks back at the 60-year career of Robert Redford. Topics include Redfordâs best acting performances, his Oscar-winning directing work, the meme to end all memes, and how he helped start the careers of many of the best film directors working today.
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168: Chinatown (1974)
âWell, to tell ya the truth, I lied a little.â Alex and Nick break down one of the essential films of the New Hollywood movement, Roman Polanskiâs âChinatown.â The guys discuss their favorite Jack Nicholson performances, Polanskiâs infamous career, Faye Dunawayâs disturbing performance, John Huston as one of the best movie villains of all time, Robert Towne writing one of the best screenplays of all time, and much more.
Part 6 of the WAYW New Hollywood Film Project.
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167: Top 10 Films of 1996
This episode begins with some spoiler-free 2025 movie news and reviews, before Alex and Nick dive into their favorite films of 1996 (23:19). Topics include Leo as Romeo, Depp as Dead Man, Frances as Marge, (maybe) the best action film of all time, the movie that changed horror, the indies everyone talked about, new and old tattoos, and much more.
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166: High and Low/Highest 2 Lowest (1963/2025)
There are no spoilers in this episode. Alex breaks down the opening segment of Akira Kurosawaâs masterpiece, âHigh and Low,â before bringing Nick on to review Spike Leeâs remake, âHighest 2 Lowest.â The guys discuss Spikeâs post-âInside Man" career, seeing Denzel Washington in âOthelloâ on Broadway, other remakes of Kurosawaâs work, Matthew Libatique, Dean Winters, Jules Dassin, and much more.
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165: Deliverance (1972)
This is the weekend they didnât play golf. Alex and Nick break down John Boormanâs masterpiece, âDeliverance.â The guys have an extended discussion on the horrifying attack sequence in the film, and the resulting impact it had on cinema and the culture. They also discuss Burt Reynoldsâ breakout role, the filmâs expert use of staging, how well Jon Voight plays drunk, Ned Beattyâs career, one of the most iconic music themes in movie history, and so much more.
Part 5 of the WAYW New Hollywood Film Project.
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164: Halloween (1978)
Alex is watching John Carpenterâs âHalloweenâ once a week for all of 2025. In the latest installment of the WAWY New Hollywood Film Project, Alex and Nick discuss Alexâs crazy challenge, the filmâs use of sound, cinematography, and editing, why âHalloweenâ is their favorite horror film, and how in the hell John Carpenter was able to write, direct, and score one of the most iconic films ever made with very little money. Totally.
Part 4 of the WAYW New Hollywood Film Project.
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163: Steven Soderbergh
To celebrate five years of What Are You Watching, Alex and Nick discuss the most influential director of Alexâs life, Steven Soderbergh. Thirty-five movies, (at least) five career phases, a Palme dâOr, an Oscar, and an unparalleled work ethic all make Soderbergh an icon of modern cinema. Letâs go!
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162: F1: The Movie (2025)
Alex welcomes back Taylor Scott to the pod to review âF1: The Movie.â The guys discuss F1: The Sport, Brad Pitt, IMAX, favorite car racing movies, and more.Â
Later, the two have a wide-open What Are You Watching segment, anchored by Ridley Scottâs âBlack Hawk Down.â Stray topics include Eric Bana, âChopper,â favorite war movies, watching âHalloweenâ every week, watching âDawsonâs Creekâ with your teenage daughter, â28 Years Later,â âSeverance,â and much more.
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161: Anora (2024) Commentary
For this special episode, Alex invites new guest, Igor âWarriorâ Nedvalyuk, on the pod to watch Sean Bakerâs Best Picture-winning masterpiece, âAnora.â The guys discuss using movie quotes as a form of communication, Slavic culture, Sean Bakerâs filmography, âCompartment No. 6,â âCasino,â "Glengarry Glen Ross," raves, Best Actress winner Mikey Madison, the filmâs authenticity, and so much more.Â
Watch on Hulu right along with us!
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160: All That Jazz (1979)
Itâs showtime, folks! As Alex and Nick break down Bob Fosseâs masterpiece, âAll That Jazz,â the guys discuss Fosseâs career, autobiographical films, accepting death, Roy Scheider, âFosse/Verdon,â the 1979 Oscars, âVanilla Sky,â and much more.
At the end of the episode (01:33:24), Alex does a solo review of the âMission: Impossibleâ film franchise, including spoiler-free thoughts on âMission: Impossible â The Final Reckoning.â
Part 3 of the WAYW New Hollywood Film Project.
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159: Marathon Man (1976)
Is it safe? Alex and Nick break down one of the best paranoid thrillers ever, âMarathon Man.â Stray topics include the remarkable careers of Dustin Hoffman, Roy Scheider, Laurence Olivier, and William Devane, 1976 in film, John Schlesingerâs best movies, William Goldmanâs brilliant source novel, watching âJawsâ for the first time, and debunking the infamous âWhy donât you try acting, darling?â story.
Part 2 of the WAYW New Hollywood Film Project.
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158: Five Easy Pieces (1970)
Welcome to the first official episode of the What Are You Watching New Hollywood Film Project, where we examine films of the New Hollywood era, with a primary focus on 1970s classics.Â
In this episode, Alex and Nick break down Bob Rafelsonâs âFive Easy Pieces.â The guys discuss Rafelsonâs career, BBS Productions, a struggling B-movie actor/writer/director named Jack Nicholson, Karen Black, The Monkees, chicken salad sandwiches, and one of the best endings in all of cinema.
Part 1 of the WAYW New Hollywood Film Project.
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157: Top 10 Films of 1997
Alex and Nick list their favorite films from the great movie year 1997. Topics include Matt and Ben writing their Oscar ticket, the six pack of Cusack, the genius of âL.A. Confidential,â Pam Grier not being nominated (!), and how a little movie called âTitanicâ dominated pop culture for more than a year.
Would you like to know more?
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156: Remembering Gene Hackman
Alex has spent the past month watching every film the dearly departed Gene Hackman was in. In this solo episode, Alex looks back at Hackmanâs career and highlights the dozens of legendary characters he played.
Rest in peace, Gene. We love you, we miss you.Â
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155: The French Connection (1971)
The guys review a film Alex has been obsessed with for decades, and Nick just watched for the first time. William Friedkinâs âThe French Connectionâ won Best Picture and helped kickstart American â70s cinema. Stray topics include the filmâs influence on the art form, picking your feet in Poughkeepsie, Friedkinâs career, the dearly departed Gene Hackman, the most infamous car chase in cinema history, and much more.
Rest in peace, Gene Hackman. We love you, we miss you.Â
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154: 2025 Oscar Reactions
March 2 was the greatest day of all. Alex, Nick, and friend-of-the-pod Dan excitedly react to the 97th Academy Awards, which have become Alexâs favorite Oscar show ever. Sean Baker makes history, Mikey Madison soars, Brody rambles, Culkin gets sincere, and Alex and Nick absolutely lose their minds when âAnoraâ takes five.
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153: 2025 Oscar Predictions
Many categories heading into the 97th Academy Awards are wide open. As Alex and Nick break down the narratives of every race, topics include âAnoraâsâ overall chances, potential mini-waves from âConclaveâ and/or âWicked,â Demi vs. Mikey, Timmy vs. Brody, "Flow" vs. "The Wild Robot," important nominated documentaries, why acting sweeps happen, and so much more.
Tune in to Instagram Live at WAYW_Podcast the day of the awards for our final Oscar picks. Sunday March 2, 2025, 2:30p.m. PST.
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152: Top 10 Films of 2024
Alex and Nick list their favorite films of 2024, a good year for movies if you look in the right places. The guys then review some Oscar-nominated films and break down the wild controversy surrounding âEmilia Perez,â before ending with a speechless WAYW segment.
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151: 2025 Oscar Nominations
No Denzel, no Nicole, no âChallengersâ?! Are Culkin and Saldaña committing category fraud? Does anyone even like âEmilia PĂ©rezâ?
Alex and Nick present a special live episode of their reactions to the 2025 Oscar nominations.
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150: Babygirl (2024) | The Brutalist (2024)
Alex discusses the passing of David Lynch, before praising Halina Reijn's âBabygirl,â and listing Nicole Kidmanâs best performances. Later, Alex invites friend-of-the-pod Dan on to trash Brady Corbetâs âThe Brutalist.â
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149: One Movie Every Day Challenge
Alex watched at least one movie a day in calendar year 2024. In this episode, Nick interviews Alex about this fun and ridiculous exercise. The guys also discuss a lovely note from a fan, the impact of âDuel of the Fates,â Alexâs (even crazier) 2025 movie challenge, and much more.
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148: Top 25 Films of the Century
Four and a half years of podcasting have led to this. For their biggest episode ever, Alex and Nick list their 25 favorite films of the 21st century (so far). The guys discuss the films that mean the most to them, movies that changed their lives, accepting pain through cinema, getting extremely drunk with an A-list star a decade ago, and so much more.
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147: Manchester by the Sea (2016) Commentary
Welcome to the annual What Are You Watching holiday episode in which Alex and Nick cover a film featuring the darkest aspects of humanity. Kenneth Lonerganâs âManchester by the Seaâ understands pain and grief better than most films. Itâs also hilarious. Gather the family around and watch the movie right along with us. Happy Holidays!
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146: Miami Vice (2006)
Smooth, thatâs how we do it. Alex and Nick break down an all-timer vibe movie, Michael Mannâs âMiami Vice.â The guys discuss the filmâs difficult production, its gorgeous, digital aesthetic, Michael Mannâs directorâs cuts, its increased popularity, Colin Farrell being so out of it that he doesnât remember making the movie, and more.
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145: The Insider (1999)
"Are you a businessman or are you a newsman?!" Alex and Nick break down one of Alexâs favorite films, Michael Mannâs âThe Insider.â Topics include the current state of journalism, corporate confidentiality agreements, tortious interference, poor communication skills, â60 Minutes,â all-timer performances from Al Pacino, Russell Crowe, and Christopher Plummer, and so much more.
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144: Twin Peaks
Alex and friend-of-the-pod Dan enter the Black Lodge to discuss David Lynch's âTwin Peaks.â In this loose episode, the guys break down the showâs original two seasons, the prequel film âFire Walk with Me,â and the 25-years-later follow-up season, âTwin Peaks: The Return.â Stray topics include Kyle MacLachlan, Mark Frostâs dossiers, BOB, âPart 8: Gotta Light?,â emphysema, Frances Bay, and who killed Laura Palmer.
Later in the episode, Nick and Alex invite a new guest on the pod to discuss his personal experiences with David Lynch.
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143: Anora (2024)
Alex and Nick discuss writer/director Sean Bakerâs filmography, Mikey Madison, and why the new film, âAnora,â is the best movie of the year.
This episode begins with a spoiler-free review of âAnora," followed by an extended What Are You Watching segment (50:57), before ending with a spoiler-filled discussion on âAnora" (1:07:35).
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142: David Lynch
Alex and Nick profile the work of the iconic David Lynch. Stray topics include taking five years to make âEraserhead,â Mel Brooks hiring Lynch for âThe Elephant Man,â the pure Lynchian vibes of âBlue Velvet,â unabashed love for âWild at Heart,â O.J. Simpson, the TV pilot for âMulholland Drive,â Mary Sweeney, Angelo Badalamenti, TM, and much more.
This episode does not contain any âTwin Peaksâ material. Alex and friend-of-the-pod Dan will have a full âTwin Peaksâ discussion in the next episode.
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141: Phantom Thread (2017)
The great Mikki Hernandez joins Alex and Nick to break down Paul Thomas Anderson's âPhantom Thread.â They discuss their favorite PTA films, Daniel Day-Lewis co-writing the movie, Lesley Manville, Vicky Krieps, Oscar-winning costumes, breakfast, relationships, marriage, fragile male egos, DDLâs retirement (?), and much more.
Watch Mikki and Nick in Alexâs film, âI Am Alive.â
Purchase Mikkiâs book, âCake Mix: Learning to Love All Your Ingredientsâ on Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.
140: Megalopolis (2024)
Alex, Nick, and friend-of-the-pod Dan go back to the cluuubbb and review Francis Ford Coppolaâs apparent magnum opus, âMegalopolis.â The guys discuss director passion projects, bad line readings, nonsensical plot elements, Adam Driver starring in everything, how Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, and Jon Voight stole the movie, and much more.
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