Munsons at the Movies

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography of a randomly selected actor. In this episode, we explore the life and career of Adam Driver. Best known for his roles as Kylo Ren in the Star Wars trilogy, Charlie in Marriage Story (2019), and Flip in BlacKkKlansman (2018), Driver has built an impressive career in a short time. Joined for episode 100 by five-time guest, Matti Groll, we discuss Driver’s impressive military background, the reasons why he has the highest average critic rating of any actor we’ve covered, explore why Inside Llewyn Davis forced him not to watch his own performances, and marvel at his excellence in dramatic roles. How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography of a randomly selected actor. In this episode, we explore the life & career of Will Ferrell. Best known for his roles as Ron Burgundy in the Anchorman films, Ricky Bobby in Talladega Nights (2006), Brennan in Step Brothers (2008), and a legendary run on Saturday Night Live, no one improvises quite like Ferrell in Hollywood. Joined once again by Jay Ledbetter of AwardsWatch, we discuss his unmatched ability to crack his co-stars on SNL, his insanely quotable characters over the years, his off-the-screen antics, and whether Aubrey’s distaste for Ferrell changes after this deep dive. How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography of a randomly selected actor. In this episode, we explore the life & career of F. Murray Abraham. Best known for his roles as Antonio in Amadeus (1984), Mr. Moustafa in The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), and Bert in The White Lotus (2022), F. Murray has taken a very untraditional route through the world of entertainment. Joined once again by Mike Van De Voort, we discuss F. Murray's youth experience in El Paso, his post-Oscar career turn, his late career resurgence, the Mythic Quest allegations, and we discover James's revelation about bisexual concierge. Where does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography of a randomly selected actor. In this episode, we explore the life & career of Debra Winger. Best known for her roles as Emma in Terms of Endearment (1983), Paula in An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), and Sissy in Urban Cowboy (1980), Winger is a complicated and interesting actor for us to cover. Joined once again by John Rigby, we discuss her unconventional choice in names for her son, her believability in every role, her infamous off-screen spats with co-stars and producers, and marvel at her ability as an all-time shit talker during interviews. How does she rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography and impact of a randomly selected actor. In this episode, we explore the life and career of Lucy Liu. Best known for her roles as Alex in Charlie’s Angels films, O-Ren Ishii in the Kill Bill films, and Dr. Joan Watson in Elementary (2012-19), Lucy carved out her own path in Hollywood over the last few decades. Joined once again by Cori Wallace, we discuss how she was typecast on television in her earliest days on screen, the sheer cultural impact of her role on Ally McBeal, ask questions about her representation and their lack of attention to her skillset, and marvel at her per-episode salary on Elementary. Where does she rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography and impact of a randomly selected actor. In this episode, we explore the life and career of Steve Buscemi. Best known for his roles as Carl in Fargo (1996), Mr. Pink in Reservoir Dogs (1992), and the guy who shows up in just about every Adam Sandler film, Buscemi is just about the most prolific character actor of the past 30 years. Joined very briefly by Dan Craig, we discuss his relationship with filmmakers like Robert Rodriguez, Jim Jarmusch & the Coen Brothers, his undeniable greatness in the 90s, why he’s such a great character actor, and cover why Buscemi is the main reason Case joined the podcast. How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography and impact of a randomly selected actor. In this episode, we explore the life and career of Natalie Portman. Best known for her roles as Nina in Black Swan (2010), Evey in V for Vendetta (2005), and Queen Amidala in the Star Wars Prequels, Portman is widely considered one of the most talented actresses working today. Joined once again by Mark Gehrke, we discuss her early rise to stardom, her project choice tied to her Jewish heritage, rave about Gehrke’s nerdy expertise around Star Wars, Marvel, and Annihilation, and hear about James’s starstruck moment of seeing Portman on the streets of New York. How does she rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography and impact of a randomly selected actor. In this episode, we explore the life and career of Kristen Bell. Best known for her roles as Anna in Frozen (2013), Veronica Mars (2004-2019), and Sarah in Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008), Bell has quickly risen to Hollywood stardom. Joined once again by Lauren Hopkins Price, we discuss Bell’s Smurfette roots, her extremely fun family dynamic with Dax, Aubrey passionately defends Couples Retreat (2009), and we marvel at her incredible off-the-screen philanthropic impact. How does she rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography and impact of a randomly selected actor. In this episode, we explore the life and career of Mila Kunis. Best known for her roles as Lily in The Black Swan (2010), Rachel in Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008), and Meg Griffin in Family Guy (1999-2023), Kunis has risen from a child actor to a mainstay in Hollywood. Joined once again by Laura Bennecke, we discuss her Ukrainian roots, her immense philanthropic impact, Case’s disdain for That 70’s Show and Laura’s unbelievable story on that set, the absurdity of American Psycho 2’s existence, and ponder whether her associations with some questionable male figures will affect her score. How does she rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography and impact of a randomly selected actor. In this episode, we explore the legendary life and career of Max von Sydow. Best known for his roles as Antonius in The Seventh Seal (1957), Emperor Ming in Flash Gordon (1980), and Father Merrin in The Exorcist (1980), von Sydow is on the list for Halloween consideration given his status as a horror icon. Joined once again by Stephanie Malone of the Fear & Loathing Podcast and so much more, we recount a wild catfishing story, explore Ingmar Bergman’s filmography through the lens of von Sydow, contemplate the amount of cultural appropriation in Flash Gordon, parse through the insane plot of Branded (2012), and complement his remarkable longevity as an actor. How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography and impact of a randomly selected actor. In this episode, we explore the life and career of Steve Carell. Best known for his roles as Michael Scott in The Office (2005-2013), Andy in The 40-Year Old Virgin (2005), and Brick in the Anchorman films, Carell is undoubtedly one of the funniest men in Hollywood. Joined once again by Chip Hessenflow of the Too Much Scrolling podcast, we discuss Carell’s sketch comedy roots at Second City Improv, his incredible project choice and box office snapshot, the earnestness & believability of his characters throughout the years, the pop culture relevance of his role as Michael Scott, and fawn over his underrated dramatic range. How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography and impact of a randomly selected actor. In this episode, we explore the life and career of Owen Wilson. Best known for his roles as John in Wedding Crashers (2005), Hansel in Zoolander (2001), Lightning McQueen in the Cars franchise, and his many collaborations with Wes Anderson, Wilson has become one of the most well-known actors in Hollywood. Joined for the first time by Jim of the Film Rage Podcast, we discuss his struggles in school growing up, his writing work with Wes Anderson, debate whether we like him more as a lead or supporting character, contemplate whether his voice lends well to animated roles, and tally how many times he says “wow” in his projects over the years. How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies Podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography and impact of a randomly selected actor. In this episode, we explore the life and career of Julia Stiles. Best known for her roles as Kat in 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), Sara in Save the Last Dance (2001), and Paige in The Prince and Me (2004), Stiles has built a successful career on screen as the key character in romantic comedies. Joined once again by Cam Sully of the Jacked Up Review Show Podcast, we discuss her beginning in a Cyndi Lauper music video, her difference in pop culture impact based on age, our thoughts on her many Shakespearean adaptations, and contemplate her career pivot after 2004. How does she rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography and impact of a randomly selected actor. In this episode, we explore the career of Seymour Cassel who passed in 2019. A prolific character actor with over 200 credits, he is best known for his many roles in John Cassavettes and Wes Anderson films, Dirt from Beer League (2006), and Joe in In The Soup (1992). Joined once again by Mike Rodmaker, we discuss his bananas early life before acting, how his career exploded pairing with Cassevettes, how things might have changed if he was cast in Reservoir Dogs, our many opinions on films like Johnny Be Goode & Bartleby, and crush over his love for independent film. How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography and impact of a randomly selected actor. In this episode, we explore the career of Kevin Spacey. Most recently known for his off-screen role as a rapist/creep, he has also found himself occasionally behind the camera on projects such as The Usual Suspects (1995), American Beauty (1999), L.A. Confidential (1997), House of Cards (2013-17), and much more. Joined once again by guest Munson, Laura Adams, we discuss Spacey’s early career on the stage, his ability to play a villain flawlessly, his underrated comedic timing, remind you of his 12 sexual assault charges, and decide if we can separate the art from the artist when scoring his career. How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography and impact of a randomly selected actor. In this episode, we explore the career of Jennifer Lawrence. Best known for her roles as Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games films, Tiffany in Silver Linings Playbook (2012), and Raven/Mystique in the X-Men films, Lawrence has become one of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars at a young age. Joined once again by Dames Marvs of Loch 22 Productions, we discuss the family trip that changed her life in 8th grade, her wildly impressive box office snapshot and awards footprint, commend her role choices over the years, and gush over her ability to convey emotions on screen time and time again. How does she rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography and impact of a randomly selected actor. In this episode, we explore the career of William Atherton. Best known for his roles as Richard Thornburg in Die Hard (1988), Walter Peck in Ghostbusters (1984), and Professor Hathaway in Real Genius (1985), Atherton built a career on being one of the best assholes on-screen. Joined for the 6th time by Dan Craig, we explore Atherton’s charismatic start as Clovis in Spielberg’s Sugarland Express (1974), his bizarre story coming out story on the Donahue show, his excellent character names over the years, attempt to explain why he hasn’t done more voice work throughout his career, and Kyle unironically defends Bill’s performance in Bio-Dome (1995). How does Atherton rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography and impact of a randomly selected actor. In this episode, we explore the career of Christine Baranski. Best known for her roles as Tanya in the Mamma Mia! films, Martha May Whovier in How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), and Diane Lockhart in the Good Wife/Fight (2009-2022), Baranski has built a successful career on screen and on the stage. Joined once again by Krystal Clark, we discuss her stage acting roots inspired by her Polish grandparents, her transformation as a blue collar Buffalo native to a notoriously pompous character on-screen, contemplate what white people do on private islands, and marvel at how she classes up the joint on every one of her projects. How does she rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography and impact of a randomly selected actor. In this episode, we explore the career of Geena Davis. Best known for her roles as Thelma in Thelma & Louise (1991), Dottie in A League of their Own (1992) and Veronica in The Fly (1986), Davis had a stranglehold on Hollywood for a stretch in the 80s and 90s. Joined once again by Michael Van De Voort, we discuss her amazingly resilient IMDb Star Meter, her surprising archery skills, the foundation she created for studying gender representation on-screen in Hollywood, her incredible transformation from mannequin to Oscar winner, and pepper in facts from her memoir: Dying of Politeness. How does she rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.

Welcome to the Munsons at the Movies podcast. Each episode we delve into the filmography and impact of a randomly selected actor. In this episode, we explore the career of the silver fox, John Slattery. Best known for his roles as Roger Sterling in Mad Men (2007-2015), Ben Bradlee Jr. in Spotlight (2015), and Howard Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Slattery has built a successful career as a supporting actor on television and film. Joined once again by guest Munson, Matti Groll, we discuss Slattery’s charm on-screen, an early role where he loved golden showers, contemplate if he has any roles better than Mad Men, and brainstorm the third installment of the Dirty Dancing franchise. How does he rank on the Munson Meter? Listen to find out.