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Send us a text This week on That '70s Movie Podcast, Jonathan and Michael tackle the 1979 sports drama, North Dallas Forty. We talked at length about the evolution of sports movies and how the '70s were a golden age for gridiron warriors, punching pugilists, and biking Italians. We heaped praise on Nick Nolte's performance as well as G.D. Spradlin, Charles Durning, and Mac Davis in his first acting performance. Though we agreed North Dallas Forty is far from perfect, it's a great example of how the New Hollywood of the 1970s tackled the sports movie and raised it to another level!  So put on your helmet, strap on your shoulder pads, and get in the huddle for this week's episode. Support the show

Send us a text This week, Jonathan and Michael jumped into the ocean to discuss the Robert Altman neo-noir classic, "The Long Goodbye."  We agreed that this is one of Altman's best-directed movies and a fantastic example of revisionist noir. We talked at length about Philip Marlowe's steadfast moral and ethical code, and how it ran headfirst into the changing social mores of the 1970s. We loved the acting performances in this movie, from Elliott Gould as Philip Marlowe and Nina van Pallandt to Sterling Hayden and Mark Rydell -- and the production design that beautifully captured the look of Los Angeles in the 1970s. So break out the cat food, take the Aquavit out of the freezer, and join us for our latest episode! As always, please leave a review and let us know what you think! Support the show

Send us a text This week on That '70s Movie Podcast, Jonathan and Michael get lathered up for the 1975 classic "Shampoo." In this episode, we went deep on "Shampoo's" uniquely political frame; why the backdrop of the 1968 presidential election is its own character in the movie, and whether the film's critique of liberal apathy about the election of Richard Nixon is correct, We heaped praise on Warren Beatty's gutsy and compelling performance, as well as Goldie Hawn's tour de force acting as she goes toe-to-toe with Beatty in the movie's pivotal scene.  We had kind words for all the actors in this film, from the ubiquitous '70s character actor, Jack Warden, to the magnetic Julie Christie.  So put your hair dryer in your waistband, jump on your motorcycle, and give this episode a listen! Support the show

Send us a text This week on that '70s Movie Podcast, Jonathan and Michael are on a mission ... to talk about the 1967 neo-noir classic "Point Blank." Yes, we know this is not officially a '70s film, but in its structure, themes, and vibe, it fits very much with the New Hollywood of the 1970s. In fact, as we discuss in this episode, "Point Blank" laid the foundation for the cinematic renaissance to come. We also traversed familiar terrain as we discussed how much of the film is real, how much is a dream, and whether it really matters. We had nothing but praise for the stars of the film, Lee Marvin and Angie Dickinson, as well as for director John Boorman, in what was his first major motion picture. "Point Blank" is today a cult classic and for good reason. It's simply a phenomenal film, so join us as we make footsteps in discussing this gem of a movie! As always, please leave a review and let us know what you think of the episode! Support the show

Send us a text This week on That '70s Movie Podcast, Jonathan and Michael climb into bed for the 1969 Paul Mazursky-directed satire, "Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice." We both agreed that even though it was released in late 1969, the film qualifies as a '70s movie, both in terms of structure and content. We loved all four leading actors, notably Dyan Cannon and Robert Culp, especially for his funky wardrobe. While we disagreed about the film's uncertain ending and the consistency of Mazursky's vision, we loved the movie and what it says about America in the late 60s/early 1970s -- and still tells us today. We also spent a few minutes reflecting on the extraordinary career of Rob Reiner, who was taken from us last week ... far too soon. So take off your clothes, jump in the pool, and join us for this week's episode. As always, if you're enjoying the podcast, please leave a review or send us a note and let us know how we're doing! Support the show

Send us a text This week on That '70s Movie Podcast, Jonathan and Michael decided to go in a different direction -- and turned on the green light to discuss the 2025 blockbuster "One Battle After Another." We talked about Paul Thomas Anderson's legacy as a director, the influence of '70s cinema on his filmmaking, and how this film was a departure in form from his previous movies. We praised the performances of Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, and Benicio del Toro, and also marveled at the movie's combination of emotional depth and riveting action and chase sequences. We poked a few holes in "One Battle After Another's" occasionally cartoonish bad guys while discussing the film's larger themes. Is PT Anderson mocking self-described revolutionaries, or instead offering a roadmap for those intent on producing political change? Is the film, at its core, a contrast between political workhorses and showhorses? So jump on the phone, don't forget what time it is, and give the latest episode of That '70s Movie Podcast a listen! Reminder: if you're enjoying the podcast, take a moment to leave a review and tell us what you think! Support the show

Send us a text This week on That '70s Movie Podcast, Jonathan and Michael were joined by Ron Brownstein as we opened up the floodgates on the 1974 neo-noir thriller, "Chinatown." Ron has written extensively about Los Angeles in the 70s, and he regaled us with stories about the making of the film and, in particular, the drafting of Robert Towne's screenplay, which we all agreed is one of the greatest ever written. We also talked at length about Faye Dunaway's otherworldly performance as Evelyn Mulwray, John Huston's enigmatic (and metaphorical) Noah Cross, Jake Gittes' motivation (and crucial error), and, above all, how Chinatown subverts the noir films of the '40s and '50s with a New Hollywood sensibility. When it comes to 70s cinema, it doesn't get much better than Chinatown, and while you may think you know what you're dealing with when it comes to this film... believe me, you don't (that is it until you listen to this episode)! Support the show

Send us a text This week on That '70s Movie Podcast, Jonathan and Michael turn the firehose on the 1974 disaster movie "The Towering Inferno." We praised the movie's stellar special effects and stunt work, as well as its suspenseful set pieces, while acknowledging that the acting and dialogue were perhaps not the best. We also talked about our favorite disaster movies, explored why people flock to theaters to see terrible things happen, and discussed how nostalgia plays such a fundamental role in what movies we love. So put some wet towels under the front door, tie yourself down, and join us this week for another fiery episode of That '70s Movie Podcast! Support the show

Send us a text This week on "That '70s Movie Podcast," Jonathan and Michael knocked on the door of the 1973 revisionist Western, "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid." We talked at length about James Coburn's astonishing performance as Pat Garrett and why this film is Sam Peckinpah's definitive statement on the Old West (we weren't shy, however, about addressing Peckinpah's problematic legacy). We explored the themes of generational change and the haunting specter of death in the frontier West, evident in nearly every frame of the movie. Finally, we talked about the bleakness of Peckinpah's vision, but why it makes this film so compelling. We even had a few kind words for Bob Dylan's performance (and his music)! So put on your cowboy hat, strap on your six-gun, and don't forget your badge as we explore one of the great, underrated movies of the 1970s. If you're enjoying "That '70s Movie Podcast," please leave a comment or review and tell us what you think ... and give us suggestions about what movies we should talk about next! Support the show

Send us a text This week on That '70s Movie Podcast, Jonathan and Michael had a worry-free conversation about the 1975 Robert Altman classic, "Nashville." We were joined by Northwestern University Communications Studies professor Heather Hendershot, who is the author of a recent BFI book on the movie. While Jonathan and Heather had nothing but praise for a film widely considered Altman's masterpiece, Michael took issue with "Nashville's" slow pacing and languid plotting. Where we did agree is on the brilliance of Lily Tomlin's performance, our appreciation for Haven Hamilton, and how effectively the film captures America at a crossroads as the country prepared to celebrate its bicentennial.  So for the sake of the children, give this episode a listen, because, after all, you can never get enough of That '70s Movie Podcast!

Send us a text This week on That '70s Movie Podcast, Michael and Jonathan go to the bank on the 1973 classic "The Friends of Eddie Coyle." We had nothing but praise for this film's naturalistic feel, top-tier location work, razor-sharp pacing, and outstanding acting performances. In particular, we loved Robert Mitchum's lead role, but also went to bat for Richard Jordan and Peter Boyle.  We talked about the enduring influence of Eddie Coyle on other filmmakers and wondered whether the reason this movie didn't get as much attention when it came out was that, in an era of great filmmaking, it didn't necessarily stand out! So watch out for pigeons, don't get your hand slammed in the desk drawer, and join us for our conversation about a true New Hollywood classic!

Send us a text This week on That '70s Movie Podcast, Michael and Jonathan put on their platform shoes, don their favorite sequined shirts, and turn on the strobe lights for a spirited conversation about the 1977 film "Looking For Mr. Goodbar," starring Diane Keaton (RIP). In this episode, we heap praise on Keaton, not only for her bravura performance in this film but also for her courageous artistic choices and growth as an actor.  We reached less consensus on Looking For Mr. Goodbar's occasionally muddled social and political messages. We disagreed on whether Goodbar has a pro-feminist slant or is a regressive film that ducks hard questions -- especially in its choice of villains. But give it a listen and tell us what you think!

Send us a text This week on That '70s Movie Podcast, Jonathan and Michael are joined by Tom Schaller, political scientist and movie nerd, for a conversation about the 1974 mystery thriller "The Conversation." We talked about why this movie is perhaps the prototypical 1970s New Hollywood film. We discussed Francis Ford Coppola's A+ directing, but also his uneven movie career. We touched on Gene Hackman's GOAT-level filmography, the extraordinary sound design of this movie, and the metaphor that is Harry Caul's Transparent Raincoat. So put on your headphones, pull up the floorboards, and give this one a listen! Support the show

Send us a text This week on That '70s Movie Podcast, Jonathan and Michael bring to life the 1974 comedy classic "Young Frankenstein." In this episode, we discussed our favorite film comedies and why, in general, comedy often doesn't receive the same critical respect as other genres of film. We praised the performances of Cloris Leachman, Madeline Kahn, Peter Boyle, Marty Feldman, and, above all, Gene Wilder. We also talked about the sometimes uneven movie output of director Mel Brooks - and why this might be his most beautiful film. Of course, we picked our favorite scenes from the movie, such as "Could be worse. It could be raining," and "I was going to make espresso," to "Sedagive," "Abby Normal," and "He was my boyfriend." So take a roll in the hay and watch out for werewolves as we go deep on "Young Frankenstein."

Send us a text This week on That '70s Movie Podcast, Michael and Jonathan take the plunge on the 1974 paranoid thriller, "The Parallax View." We discussed the brilliance of the movie's look and feel, its expert direction and cinematography, but also its occasionally glaring plot holes. We critiqued Warren Beatty's performance in the lead role, talked about whether we're more unsettled by the Parallax Corporation's personality test or its film montages, and asked if the film's hired killers are trying to get caught. So come down from the catwalks (though don't run to the light) ... and join us!