Greatest Movie Of All-Time

Tom Duncan and Sara Shea continue their journey with Dexter (2006) Season 1 - this time with episodes 2 and 3.

In this week’s episode, Sara and Thomas dive deep into the moral quandaries and psychological complexities surrounding Dexter. Their conversation reveals layers of character motivation and the philosophical implications of vigilante justice. At the start, Thomas introduces a unique concept: a safety net for the podcast. He suggests that if the show ever feels like a chore, they’ll simply cut it short. One of the most intriguing discussions centers around the show's central mystery—the Ice Truck Killer. Sara q...

Dana and Tom with returning guest, Klarissa B. (Host and Creator - I've Seen That One), discuss La La Land (2016) celebrating its 10th anniversary: written and directed by Damien Chazelle, cinematography by Linus Sandgren, music by Justin Hurwitz, editing by Tom Cross, starring Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, and John Legend.

Plot Summary: La La Land follows Mia Dolan (Emma Stone), an aspiring actress juggling auditions and a coffee-shop job, and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), a jazz pianist dreaming of opening his own club. They meet in Los Angeles, fall in love, and push each other toward their ambitions...

Tom Duncan and Sara Shea start another new journey with Dexter (2006) Season 1 - starting with the pilot episode.

Sara's past experiences with loss and trauma influenced her hesitance to engage with horror content when Dexter premiered, highlighting how personal history affects media choices. Thomas, who identifies as horror-averse, finds himself able to engage with Dexter, recognizing it as a vigilante narrative rather than pure horror, demonstrating how genre familiarity can shift comfort levels.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Context Setting

02:46 Exploring Dexter's Themes and Characters

05:52 Personal Experiences and Viewing History

Dana and Tom with new guest, DW Lundberg (Host and Creator of the Nostalgia Cast and Back to Bluey), discuss Notorious (1946) celebrating its 80th anniversary: directed by Sir Alfred Hitchcock, written by Ben Hecht, cinematography by Ted Tetzlaff, music by Roy Webb, editing by Theron Warth, starring Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, and Claude Rains.

Plot Summary: In Notorious, Ingrid Bergman stars as Alicia Huberman, daughter of a convicted Nazi spy, recruited by American agent, TR Devlin (Cary Grant), to infiltrate a ring of German conspirators hiding in Rio de Janeiro. Devlin falls for Alicia even as he...

Dana and Tom, for their 325th episode, revisit Casablanca (1942) and Rear Window (1954) to break the tie between them. Who will come out on top?

Casablanca Plot Summary: In the exotic melting pot of Casablanca during World War II, Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), a jaded and enigmatic American expatriate, runs a swanky nightclub that attracts a colorful cast of characters seeking refuge from the chaos of war.

When a mysterious and beautiful woman from his past, Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman), walks into his club with her husband, resistance leader Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid), Rick's life takes...

Tom Duncan and Sara Shea finish their journey through Season 1 of The Good Wife, this time with episodes 22 and 23.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Season Finale

03:01 Episode 22: Hebristophilia Overview

05:59 Character Dynamics and Impressions

09:03 Thematic Elements and Plot Development

12:07 Disappointment in Character Arcs

14:58 Filler Episodes and Narrative Structure

18:10 Character Relationships and Choices

21:09 Final Thoughts on Season One

29:15 Character Development and Spin-offs

31:59 Character Relationships and Emotional Investment

34:00 Ethics in Law and Perjury

38:04 The Myth...

Dana and Tom with 5x Club Members, Christine Duncan and Kieran B. (Host and Creator of the Best Picture Cast), discuss Disney's Alice in Wonderland (1951) for its 75th anniversary: directed by Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, and Hamilton Luske, music by Oliver Wallace, editing by Lloyd L. Richardson, starring Kathryn Beaumont, Ed Wynn, Richard Hadyn, Sterling Holloway, and Bill Thompson.

Plot Summary: Bored with her lessons, young Alice follows a fretful White Rabbit down a hole into Wonderland, a topsy-turvy world where she shrinks, grows, and meets a cast of eccentrics: a riddling Caterpillar, a grinning Cheshire Cat...

Tom Duncan and Sara Shea continue their journey through Season 1 of The Good Wife, this time with episodes 19, 20, and 21.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

02:38 Season 1 Episodes 19-21 Summary

05:36 First Impressions and Cliffhanger Reactions

11:06 Peter Florrick's Political and Personal Tensions

16:24 Character Development and Plot Progression

22:35 Legal Cases and Ethical Dilemmas

30:28 Character Dynamics and Relationships

36:36 Introduction of Elsbeth Tastoni and Future Potential

41:48 Episode Wrap-up and Final Thoughts

46:37 Discussing Parenting, Trust, and Communication with Kids

47:20 Sharing Age-Appropriate Information...

Dana and Tom with special guest, Reed Arnold (Writer, Director, and Star of Do Us Part (2026)) discuss Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011) for its 15th Anniversary: directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, written by Dan Fogelman, cinematography by Andrew Dunn, music by Christophe Beck and Nick Urata, editing by Lee Haxall, starring Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone, Marisa Tomei, and Kevin Bacon.

Plot Summary: Up next is a film from 2011 that takes the age-old Hollywood trope of the cinematic makeover and turns it completely on its ear. It’s Crazy, Stupid, Love.

Now, wh...

Dana and Tom with 5x Club Members, Christine and Sarah Duncan, discuss The Princess Diaries for its 25th anniversary: directed by Garry Marshall, written by Gina Wendkos, cinematography by Karl Walter Lindenlaub, music by John Debney, editing by Bruce Green, starring Julie Andrews, Anne Hathaway, Hector Elizondo, and Mandy Moore.

Plot Summary: The Princess Diaries follows Mia Thermopolis, an awkward San Francisco teenager who discovers she is heir to the throne of the fictional kingdom of Genovia. Her formal grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi, arrives to mold Mia into a proper princess, testing the girl's confidence and sense...

Tom Duncan and Sara Shea continue their journey through Season 1 of The Good Wife, this time with episodes 16, 17, and 18. Episode 16 revolves around a legal case involving a murder accusation. Eli Gold's character is highlighted for his Emmy-nominated performance. The emotional stakes in Episode 17 are critiqued for not being impactful enough. The hosts express their disdain for certain character arcs. The ethical dilemmas faced by lawyers are a recurring theme in the discussion. Alicia's relationship with Peter and Will is a focal point of the conversation as our hosts critique the pacing and writing of romantic tensions in the series...

Dana and Tom with new guest, Michael Burgett (Host and Creator, Screen Nerds Podcast (Apple, Spotify, iHeart)), discuss Spirited Away (2001) for its 25th Anniversary: written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, cinematography by Atsushi Okui, music by Joe Hisaishi, and editing by Takeshi Seyama.

Plot Summary: A young girl named Chihiro finds herself in a spirit world when her parents are turned into pigs after eating enchanted food. To save them, she takes a job at a bathhouse run by the witch Yubaba while befriending the dragon-boy Haku and the lonely spirit No-Face along the way. Through courage...

Tom Duncan and Sara Shea continue their journey through Season 1 of The Good Wife, this time with episodes 13, 14, and 15. This episode offers an in-depth analysis of legal dramas and their portrayal of courtroom procedures, social media influence, and ethical dilemmas faced by lawyers. It explores how TV series like The Good Wife depict legal strategies, character dynamics, and the impact of social media on public perception, providing insights into both entertainment and real-world legal principles.

Chapters:

00:00 Witty Banter and Introduction

11:47 Character Analysis and Guest Stars

17:53 Legal Insights and Trial Dynamics

Dana and Tom with returning 5x Club members and guests, Allyson Techmeier and Sarah Duncan, discuss Legally Blonde (2001), celebrating its 25th anniversary: directed by Robert Luketic, written by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith, cinematography by Anthony B. Richmond, music by Rolfe Kent, editing by Anita Brandt-Burgoyne, starring Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Victor Garber, Jennifer Coolidge, Selma Blair, and Ali Larter.

Plot Summary: Set against the polished halls of Harvard Law, this modern fable follows a young woman (Reese Witherspoon) whose sunny confidence and impeccable style mask a sharp mind waiting to be taken seriously. When she...

Tom Duncan and Sara Shea continue their journey through Season 1 of The Good Wife, this time with episodes 10, 11, and 12. In this episode, our hosts examine these three episodes, exploring legal issues, character development, and topical themes such as racism, political maneuvering, and legal ethics. They share insights, critique plot points, and discuss the show's relevance to current societal issues.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and episode overview

02:09 Episode 10: Lifeguard - Plot and themes

04:22 Character insights: Judge Baxter and guest stars

07:29 Legal concepts: Legal aid and juvenile sentencing

10:10 Racial bias and...

Dana and Tom with guest, Kristin Battestella (A Film Critic for In Session Film, Search Magazine, and Keith Loves Movies), revisit Aliens (1986), celebrating its 40th anniversary: written and directed by James Cameron, cinematography by Adrian Biddle, score by James Horner, editing by Ray Lovejoy, starring Sigourney Weaver, Paul Reiser, Michael Biehn, and Bill Paxton.

Plot Summary: Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), awakens after 57 years in hypersleep to learn that contact has been lost with the colony on LV-426 — the same moon where her crew first encountered the alien. Against every reasonable instinct, she goes back — this time accompanied by a...

Summary:

In this episode of Sidebar by Dana Duncan, a lawyer with over 37 years of experience breaks down the harsh reality of law school, big‑firm life, and what it actually takes to become a successful attorney. From elite law school tuition and starting salaries to the skills law school doesn’t teach—like client counseling, negotiation style, and real‑world time management—Dana offers blunt, practical legal career advice. He also explores the growing shortage of lawyers in rural markets and why you don’t need the most prestigious law school to build a thriving practice. If you’re co...

This debut episode of Sidebar with Dana Duncan introduces listeners to Dana’s 37‑year journey as a lawyer, mentor, father, and world traveler. He shares insights from hundreds of jury trials, federal court appeals, and decades of experience in social security disability law. Dana also explores parenting philosophies, law school challenges, political perspectives, and the importance of building wealth outside legal practice. If you’re interested in real‑world legal wisdom, personal growth, and stories from a seasoned attorney, this episode sets the stage for a compelling weekly series.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Sidebar with Dana Duncan<...

Dana and Tom with 5x Club member, Sara Shea (Host and Creator of Shea Cinema), discuss T2: Judgment Day (1991) for its 35th anniversary: written and directed by James Cameron, cinematography by Adam Greenberg, music by Brad Fiedel, editing by Conrad Buff, Mark Goldblatt, and Richard A. Harris, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, and Robert Patrick.

Plot Summary: In Terminator 2: Judgment Day, a killer machine from the future is reprogrammed to protect the very boy he was once sent to destroy. Arnold Schwarzenegger returns as the T-800, but this time he's the good guy — and he's up against so...

Tom Duncan and Sara Shea continue their journey through Season 1 of The Good Wife, this time with episodes 7, 8, and 9. In this episode, Thomas and Sara analyze episodes 7-9 of The Good Wife by discussing plot points, character development, legal accuracy, and their predictions for future episodes. They also share insights on legal procedures, character arcs, and the show's overall quality.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

03:23 Character Development and Ethical Dilemmas in 'The Good Wife'

06:25 Legal Ethics and Personal Morality in Practice

09:21 Contemporary Legal Issues and Cultural Reflections

13:30 Character Dynamics and...

Dana and Tom with guest, Scott Cole (movie commentator, and occasional writer/contributor) discuss Klute (1971) for its 55th anniversary: directed by Alan J. Pakula, written by Andy and Dave Lewis, cinematography by Gordon Willis, music by Michael Small, editing by Carl Lerner, starring Jane Fonda, Donald Sutherland, and Roy Scheider.

Plot Summary: A Pennsylvania businessman vanishes. The only clue — threatening letters sent to a New York City call girl named Bree Daniel (Jane Fonda). Private detective John Klute (Donald Sutherland) heads to the city to find answers and finds himself drawn into Bree's dangerous world.

Gu...

Tom Duncan and Sara Shea continue their new journey through Season 1 of The Good Wife, this time with episodes 5 and 6. In this episode, our hosts analyze episodes 5 and 6 of 'The Good Wife,' exploring legal dilemmas, character development, and ethical questions. They delve into the show's evolving narrative, character dynamics, and real-world legal principles, providing insights for fans and legal enthusiasts alike.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Theme Music Discussion

05:25 Episode Summaries: Crash and Conjugal

08:57 Character Development and Legal Themes

11:59 Moral Dilemmas in Legal Practice

14:51 Nuanced Villains and Ethical...

Dana and Tom discuss Ace in the Hole (1951) for its 75th anniversary: written and directed by Billy Wilder with Lesser Samuels and Walter Newman, cinematography by Charles Lang, music by Hugo Friedhofer, editing by Doane Harrison and Arthur P. Schmidt, starring Kirk Douglas, Jan Sterling, and Porter Hall.

Plot Summary: Meet Chuck Tatum — a fast-talking, down-on-his-luck newspaper reporter played by Kirk Douglas. After burning bridges at every big-city paper in the country, he ends up stranded in Albuquerque, New Mexico, working for a small-town daily and waiting for his big break.

Then one day, fate dr...

Tom Duncan and Sara Shea continue their new journey through Season 1 of The Good Wife, this time with episodes 3 and 4. In this episode, our hosts analyze the next two episodes of 'The Good Wife,' exploring character dynamics, legal accuracy, and personal impressions of the series. Join us as we dissect the show's strengths, weaknesses, and potential future directions.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Controlled Chaos

02:19 Character Connections and Dynamics

05:23 Diane's Role and Gender Dynamics

08:15 The Ethics of Legal Practice

11:26 The Complexity of Calinda's Character

14:16 Peter's Legal...

Dana and Tom with 5x Club Member, Sarah Duncan, discuss the comedy, History of the World: Part I (1981) for its 45th anniversary: written and directed by Mel Brooks, cinematography by Woody Omens, music by John Morris, editing by John C. Howard, starring Mel Brooks, Dom DeLuise, Madeline Kahn, Harvey Korman, and Cloris Leachman.

Plot Summary: History of the World, Part I is a wild comedy that makes fun of famous moments in world history. Mel Brooks plays several different characters as the movie jumps from the Stone Age to the Roman Empire and the French Revolution. Through...

Dana and Tom with 5x Club Member, Jesse Sertle (Fellow group member of CineMadison) discuss The Rock (1996) for its 30th anniversary: directed by Michael Bay, written by David Weisberg, Douglas S. Cook, and Mark Rosner, cinematography by John Schwartzman, editing by Richard Francis-Bruce, music by Nick Glennie-Smith and Hans Zimmer, starring Sean Connery, Ed Harris, and Nicolas Cage.

Plot Summary: In The Rock, a rogue U.S. general (Ed Harris) seizes Alcatraz Island and threatens San Francisco with stolen chemical weapons, forcing an unlikely duo—a bookish FBI chemist (Nicolas Cage) and a vanished‑from‑the‑grid ex‑spy...

Tom Duncan and Sara Shea start a new journey through Season 1 of The Good Wife, starting with the Pilot and the second episode. In this episode, our hosts analyze the first two episodes, explore character development, legal accuracy, and storytelling techniques. They share insights, critiques, and predictions, offering a critical yet engaging perspective on the series.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts

10:34 Overview of The Good Wife Episodes

12:40 First Impressions of The Pilot Episode

15:36 Character Development and Pacing Issues

18:35 Comparative Analysis with Other Shows

21:25...

Dana and Tom discuss three very different films that are currently tied on the greater GMOAT full list: The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957), Vertigo (1958), and The Hangover (2009).

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the TieBreaker

05:32 Cast and Background for The Bridge on the River Kwai

07:43 Plot Summary for The Bridge on the River Kwai

09:06 New Thoughts on The Bridge on the River Kwai?

17:16 Cast and Background for Vertigo

21:35 Plot Summary for Vertigo

22:59 New Thoughts on Vertigo?

32:38 Cast and Background for The Hangover

Dana and Tom with 5x Club member and CLP contributor, Peterson W. Hill (Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight podcast), discuss The Killing (1956), celebrating its 70th anniversary: written and directed by Stanley Kubrick, cinematography by Lucien Ballard, editing by Lucy Steinberg, music by Gerald Fried, starring Sterling Hayden, Coleen Gray, Vince Edwards, and Jay C. Flippen.

Plot Summary: The Killing is a tense crime thriller about a carefully planned racetrack robbery that slowly falls apart because of bad luck, greed, and human mistakes. Sterling Hayden plays Johnny Clay, a smart criminal who gathers a group of...

Dana and Tom discuss A Knight's Tale (2001) for its 25th anniversary: written and directed by Brian Helgeland, cinematography by Richard Greatrex, editing by Kevin Stitt, music by Carter Burwell, starring Heath Ledger, Shannyn Sossamon, Paul Bettany, Mark Addy, Rufus Sewell, and Alan Tudyk.

Plot Summary: A Knight's Tale follows a poor squire who risks everything to change his fate. After his master dies, William Thatcher (Heath Ledger) pretends to be a noble knight and enters high-stakes jousting tournaments. With help from his loyal friends, he trains, competes, and rises in status, even catching the attention of a...

Dana and Tom with guest, Myke Emal (Host and Creator of the Cinemusts podcast), discuss Yojimbo (1961) for its 65th anniversary: written and directed by Akira Kurosawa with Ryūzō Kikushima and Hideo Oguni, cinematography by Kazuo Miyagawa, music by Masaru Sato, editing by Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshiro Mifune, Eijirō Tōno, Tatsuya Nakadai, and Daisuke Katō.

Plot Summary: In a small, lawless town divided by two rival gangs, Toshiro Mifune plays a wandering ronin who sees an opportunity. Pretending to work for both sides, he tricks each gang into fighting the other, hoping to wipe them out and b...

Tom Duncan and Sara Shea continue their journey through Season 1 of The West Wing, this time with episode 1.22 - the first season finale. We are joined by friend of the show, Klarissa Beckstead (I've Seen That One podcast). In this episode, Sara is given a difficult choice, our intrepid hosts grade The West Wing - Season 1, and they pick what's to come next for Season 2.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

02:45 Recap of Season One and Episode 22 of The West Wing

05:59 Emotional Reactions to the Season Finale

08:52 Character Development and Plot Predictions

Dana and Tom with 5x Club Member, VP Morris (Award-winning thriller and horror writer and podcaster), discuss Gilda (1946) for its 80th anniversary: directed by Charles Vidor, written by Marion Parsonnet and Ben Hecht, cinematography by Rudolph Mate, music by M. W. Stoloff and Marlin Skiles, editing by Charles Nelson, starring Glenn Ford, Rita Hayworth, and George Macready.

Plot Summary: In the shadowy world of postwar Buenos Aires, a cynical gambler named Johnny Farrell (Glenn Ford) rises to become the right‑hand man of a powerful casino owner—only to have his world upended when his boss returns from...

Tom Duncan and Sara Shea continue their journey through Season 1 of The West Wing, this time with episodes 1.19-1.21, exploring key episodes, character relationships, and real-world issues like drug policy and political ethics. Join us as we analyze the final episodes of season one, explore character developments, plot resolutions, and predictions for season two. We also dive into personal preferences for the White House decor and reflect on presidential history.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to First Watch Rewatch

02:49 Exploring Episode 19: Let Bartlett Be Bartlett

05:35 Character Dynamics and Emotional Tension

08:35 The Role...

Dana and Tom with 5x Club member and CLP contributor, Sara Shea (Host and Creator of Shea Cinema), discuss The Public Enemy (1931) for its 95th anniversary: directed by William Wellman, written by Harvey F. Thew, cinematography by Devereaux Jennings, music by David Mendoza, editing by Edward Michael McDermott, starring James Cagney, Jean Harlow, Edward Woods, and Joan Blondell.

Plot Summary: In The Public Enemy, James Cagney plays a small-time hood, Tom Powers, who rises through the ranks of organized crime during the Prohibition era. Alongside his partner, played by Edward Woods, he takes advantage of the illegal...

Tom Duncan and Sara Shea continue their journey through Season 1 of The West Wing, this time with episodes 1.16-1.18, exploring themes like presidential stress, political strategy, and societal values. Join us as we analyze key episodes, character development, and the show's reflection of real-world politics. In this episode, we explore the intricacies of the Federal Reserve, the dynamics of political relationships, and the behind-the-scenes of The West Wing. We delve into monetary policy, character development, and the cultural context of the show, providing insights into American politics and media portrayal.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Rewatch<...

Dana and Tom with 5x Club Member and CLP Contributor, Kieran B. (Host and Creator of the Best Picture Cast) discuss A Place in the Sun (1951) for its 75th anniversary: directed by George Stevens, written by Michael Wilson and Harry Brown, cinematography by William C. Mellor, editing by William Hornbeck, music by Franz Waxman, starring Montgomery Clift, Elizabeth Taylor, and Shelley Winters.

Plot Summary: A Place in the Sun follows a poor young man trying to rise above his circumstances, but his choices lead him down a dark path. Montgomery Clift plays a factory worker, George Eastman...

Tom Duncan and Sara Shea continue their journey through Season 1 of The West Wing, this time with episodes 1.13-1.15, this time with a deep dive into the political and moral complexities of the death penalty, addiction, and personal forgiveness as depicted in 'The West Wing'. Our hosts explore how these themes are portrayed with nuance and emotional depth, reflecting on their relevance in today's political landscape. In this episode, we explore the moral, religious, and political implications of the death penalty.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Political Disclaimers

03:57 Episode Overview: Take Out the Trash Day<...

Dana and Tom with 5x Club member and CLP contributor Peterson W. Hill (Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight podcast) revisit The Silence of the Lambs (1991): directed by Jonathan Demme, written by Ted Tally, cinematography by Tak Fujimoto, score by Howard Shore, Editing by Craig McKay, starring Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn, and Ted Levine.

Plot Summary: In The Silence of the Lambs, Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) plays a young FBI trainee assigned to interview a brilliant but dangerous imprisoned killer, Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins). As Clarice seeks insight to catch another serial murderer, Buffalo...

Tom Duncan and Sara Shea continue their journey through Season 1 of The West Wing, this time with episodes 1.10-1.12, exploring themes of veteran care, international diplomacy, and presidential leadership. The hosts share personal insights and historical context, making this a compelling discussion for fans and newcomers alike.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

06:58 Episode 10: In Excelsis Deo - A Christmas Reflection

19:49 Veterans and Public Perception - A Historical Context

29:58 The Role of the VA and Support for Veterans

32:41 The Emotional Toll of War

35:08 Understanding Gold Star...