Role Calling

Role Calling's three-part Lord of the Rings holiday special comes to a conclusion, but not before a rousing climax and several emotional endings. This week, actor/producer Mary Kate Wiles joins Ned and Caroline for a conversation all about Peter Jackson's third and final LOTR installment, The Return of the King. And boy is there a lot to discuss! From the Battle of the Pelennor Fields to the showdown on Mount Doom, the trio go deep on what makes Tolkien's world so special, which performers shine brightest in ROTK, and which scenes they can't stop thinking about. You can follow Mary Kate on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Patreon (@mkwiles on most social media platforms). And be sure to check out Shipwrecked Comedy's delightful new series "Headless: A Sleepy Hollow Story," which is streaming for free on YouTube as both a 10-part series and a single-cut version. Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

The journey to Mordor continues as Ned and Caroline move on to Peter Jackson's action-packed epic, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Special guest Joe Cunningham of the Cinematic Universe podcast joins to break down the debuts of Gollum, Rohan, Treebeard and more — not to mention a little sequence called the Battle of Helm's Deep. The trio also touch on The Rings of Power, analyze the accents across the LOTR ensemble, and get into an unexpectedly heated debate about Faramir. You can follow Joe on Twitter (@JoeCunningham14) and find Cinematic Universe (@cine_verse) wherever you listen to podcasts, as well as on Patreon. Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Golden rings, bearded men, elves in white dresses with blue satin sashes — what are The Lord of the Rings films if not the ultimate holiday classics? So to celebrate the festive season, Ned and Caroline are kicking off a brand new series on Peter Jackson's iconic LOTR trilogy and its stellar ensemble acting. This week, returning guests Zoë Maltby and Emily Marso join for a goofy, earnest, unexpectedly horny celebration of The Fellowship of the Ring. Watch the 2020 Lord of the Rings cast Zoom reunion You can follow Zoë on Instagram and Twitter (both @captainmaltby), as well as on Letterboxd (@zoecatherine). And you can follow Emily on Instagram and Twitter (both @missmarso). Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Before Ned and Caroline journey to Middle Earth for their Lord of the Rings specials, they take a look back at the best, worst and most "meh" films they watched in 2022. Welcome to Role Calling's first (maybe annual) Letterboxd Special! From Barbarian to Jurassic World Dominion to Marcel the Shell, enjoy some spoiler-free recs for what to watch and what to avoid as the hosts recount their defining movie-watching experiences of the year — and how they logged them on Letterboxd. Ned on LetterboxdCaroline on Letterboxd Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

44 years after Jamie Lee Curtis burst onto the scene as Laurie Strode, she returns to wrap up her time with Michael Myers in Halloween Ends. So, naturally, Ned and Caroline had to check in on their former Role Calling star in a special Halloween bonus episode! They're joined by Happy Harvest Horror Show co-host Brian Muldoon to chat about David Gordon Green's controversial trilogy capper, JLC's unexpectedly upbeat performance, and the Corey Cunningham of it all. Don't worry, however, both fans and detractors of Halloween Ends will find something for them in this episode. You can find the Happy Harvest Horror Show wherever you listen to podcasts, and keep up with all their spooky season antics on Instagram (@happyharvesthorrorshow). You can also find Brian on Instagram and Twitter (both @brimuldoon) Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Our Zac Efron retrospective series comes to a close with a brand new movie and a brand new jawline! This week, Documentary Now! writer/producer Matt Pacult joins Caroline and Ned to break down Zac's new AppleTV+ Vietnam War comedy, The Greatest Beer Run Ever. The trio also chat about the new look Zac debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival, his role as a brand ambassador for Kodiak Cakes pancake mix, and where they think his career might head next as he celebrates his 35th birthday this week. You can follow Matt on Instagram (@mattpacult), and be sure to watch the new season of Documentary Now! on IFC and AMC+. Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

After a brief detour with Neighbors, Caroline and Ned return to "Zac Efron: Oops All Musicals" territory with The Greatest Showman — one of the wildest cinematic endeavors of the past decade. And to break down the circus insanity, they're joined by a very special guest: Caroline's sister, Katie Siede! Together, the trio chat about CGI lions, impressive aerial stunts, and Zac's unique brand of musical theater earnestness. Plus Katie and Caroline reminiscence about trying to learn the "This Is Me" choreography; Ned celebrates the athleticism of Dog Boy; and everyone is thoroughly baffled by the choice to frame P.T. Barnum as a hero of the oppressed. Is this movie good? Is it bad? Forget it, Jake. It's The Greatest Showman. Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Eight years after High School Musical, Zac Efron reinvented himself as the ultimate bro comedy star with 2014's Neighbors. But how did he do it? Caroline and Ned are here to find out as they dive into the era of Frat Efron! From the lows of Baywatch and Dirty Grandpa to the highs of the Neighbors franchise, Caroline and Ned analyze the appeal of these raunchy comedies (and recount some of their best and worst jokes). Plus they try to figure out what these films have to say about Zac's own bro psychology. Read the 2014 Hollywood Reporter interview we keep referencing in this episode Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Hey there, teenage Baltimore! Don't change that channel, 'cause it's time for the Role Calling podcast, brought to you by Ultra Clutch Hairspray! After bursting onto the scene as an aughts teen heartthrob in High School Musical, Zac Efron got a chance to put his spin on a 1960s teen heartthrob too — in the 2007 movie musical Hairspray. How does his work as Link Larkin hold up today? And how does this movie as a whole hold up today? Caroline and Ned get into the good, the bad, and the John Travolta of it all in the latest installment of their "Zac Efron: Oops, All Musicals" series. Watch Seth Rudetsky break down James Marsden's performance of "It's Hairspray" Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

It's the start of something new! This week, Caroline and Ned launch their brand new series on the one and only mid-aughts icon, Zac Efron. And to help them revisit his breakout turn as Troy Bolton in High School Musical, they're joined by special guest and HSM aficionado Zoë Maltby. Together the trio dig into all things East High, from the highs and lows of the trilogy to the irresistible appeal of Troy Bolton to the high-camp of Ryan and Sharpay. Plus they share their nostalgic memories of the franchise, discuss the cinematic brilliance of "Bet On It" and just generally have one of the most in-depth discussions of a Disney Channel Original Movie series ever recorded. What team?!? Wildcats! You can follow Zoë on Twitter and Instagram (both @captainmaltby), as well as on Letterboxd. And donate to her short film via Venmo: @zoemaltby Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

After two decades of blockbuster filmmaking, Antonio Banderas put his dramatic chops to tremendous use in 2019's Pain and Glory — earning his first ever Oscar nomination in the process. This week, Ned and Caroline are joined by actor and teacher Will Kazda to break down this stunning Pedro Almodóvar film, which sees Antonio play a fictionalized version of the famed director. The trio also spend a surprising amount of time talking about the Shrek and Puss in Boots franchises, as well as Antonio's years as the Nasonex bee. Plus Ned and Caroline announce the next actor they'll be covering after saying adios to Antonio. You can follow Will on Twitter and Instagram, as well as on his excellent Letterboxd account (all @willkazda). Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

This week, Ned and Caroline interrupt their Antonio Banderas series for a special bonus episode on Thor: Love and Thunder. Because Christian Bale has joined the MCU and that seems worth podcasting about! The hosts dive into all things Thor as they discuss Natalie Portman's return, Taika Waititi's comedic sensibilities, Chris Hemsworth's unexpectedly gentle performance, and the general state of Marvel Phase Four. Plus they debate how much Korg is too much Korg, and, of course, sing the praises of Bale's terrifying turn as Gorr the God Butcher. You can read Caroline's full review of Thor: Love and Thunder Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

If there's one thing to know about Ned and Caroline, it's that they love musicals. So there was no way they'd miss a chance to talk about Antonio Banderas' turn as the singing and dancing narrator Che in the (slightly forgotten) film adaptation of Evita. The hosts dig into what they think about Andrew Lloyd Webber in general, what the hell this musical is trying to say about its titular character, and the unexpected role Madonna played in launching Antonio's American career. Plus they discuss the way musical theater has continued to shape Antonio's career right up until today. Oh, and they go on a lengthy tangent about the Playmobil movie for some reason too. Madonna gushing over Antonio Banderas in her "Truth or Dare" documentary Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

After spending the 1980s making provocative dramedies with Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar, Antonio Banderas made the leap to Hollywood in the 1990s. And the film that really solidified his status as an American leading man is Robert Rodriguez's 1995 neo-Western, Desperado. From onscreen explosions to his explosive chemistry with Salma Hayek, Ned and Caroline chat all about Antonio's iconic turn as a vengeful Mariachi in the second installment of Rodriguez's "Mexico Trilogy." And since Antonio's partnership with Rodriguez also includes the Spy Kids franchise, the hosts decided to do a whole sidebar about that bonkers 2001 film too. How does a gritty action flick lead to an over-the-top family spy comedy? Well, that's just the Rodriguez/Banderas way. Dakota Johnson honoring her stepdad Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Before Antonio Banderas was a Hollywood icon, he was an early muse for Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar. And this week, Ned and Caroline look at all five of their 1980s collaborations, anchored by Antonio's sexy/scary turn as a kidnapper in 1989's Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! And since the hosts are very much novices when it comes to these films, there was only one person they could ask to guest on this episode: Noted Almodóvar expert and enthusiast Manish Mathur! Together, the trio chat through films like Matador, Law of Desire and Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. Plus they hash out what makes Almodóvar such a special filmmaker and how he sees Antonio Banderas in a different way than Hollywood does. You can follow Manish on Twitter (@vertigay314) and Letterboxd. And listen to his podcasts It Pod To Be You and Queer And Now — especially the episodes on Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! and Pain and Glory. Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram (both @rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Don your masks and saddle your horses, it's time to tackle the classic (and maybe unfairly forgotten) 1990s swashbuckling adventure, The Mask of Zorro! This week, Ned and Caroline kick off their brand new Antonio Banderas series with arguably his most iconic big screen performance to date. And they enlist their friend and fellow Zorro fan Jon Harrison to help them do it. From playful performances to smokin' hot romances, the trio go deep on what makes this film so special. And Ned should know, he's spent a lifetime championing this former childhood fav. Also, we forgot to mention it in the episode, but we have a brand new Instagram account! Follow us there, where we're @rolecalling. Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can also follow us on Twitter (@rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

It's been one year since the pod debuted, and to celebrate, Ned and Caroline decided to throw the first annual Role Calling Awards! So join for some very silly fun as the hosts award best chemistry, biggest surprise, best villain and so much more. (Special thanks to our friends at the Cinematic Universe podcast for inspiring this idea!) In other updates: We have an Instagram! Follow us there (instagram.com/rolecalling/) for even more podcast extras! Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

"I turn on my computer. I wait impatiently as it connects. I go online, and my breath catches in my chest until I hear three little words: You've got podcast." This week, Caroline and Ned bring their Meg Ryan series to a close with the 1998 rom-com classic, You've Got Mail. The last in Ryan's trilogy of romances with both Tom Hanks and Nora Ephron, this one adapts a decades-old story for the AOL age. So how does it hold up today? And what happened to Meg Ryan after her '90s heyday? Ned and Caroline break it all down while raising one last toast to the rom-com queen herself. Stuff we reference in this episode: Caroline's column about You've Got MailMeg Ryan's 2019 interview with The New York TimesMeg Ryan's 2006 interview with Oprah1990 People Magazine article Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Once upon a December, Caroline and Ned were strangers, starting out on a journey, never dreaming how their dreams would come true. Now here they are, podcasting about Meg Ryan's voice performance in the much-loved (non-Disney) princess animated fairy tale, Anastasia. To help them take this journey to the past, they enlist the expertise of Dr. Sam Summers (@samsummers0), animation academic and co-host of the excellent podcast Disniversity. The trio chat about the wild, weird career of director Don Bluth; the unique animation style of Anastasia; and, of course, the "cultural semiotics" of Meg Ryan's casting! Listen to Disniversity wherever you get your podcasts (https://linktr.ee/disniversity), follow the show on Twitter (@Disniversity), and buy Sam's book, DreamWorks Animation: Intertextuality and Aesthetics in Shrek and Beyond. Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (@rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.

Volcano cult classics aside, Sleepless In Seattle is really the movie that made Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks an iconic rom-com duo — which is funny considering they only share one scene together! This week, Caroline and Ned look back on the feel-good '90s favorite that is low-key pretty high-concept. Plus they reveal how they've personally crossed paths with the Hanks family. Our theme music was created by Patrick Budde, and our logo was designed by Nick Wanserski. You can get in touch on Twitter (twitter.com/rolecalling) or email us at rolecalling@gmail.com.