Episodes
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Movie Date's Best Films of 2015
Rafer and Kristen wrap up 2015 with their favorite films of the year. Rafer's List Inside Out Clouds of Sils Maria The Revenant Mad Max: Fury Road Amy In the Heart of the Sea The Stanford Prison Experiment Anomalisa When Marnie Was There The Tribe Kristen's List Room Grandma Spy The D.U.F.F. Mad...
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Concussion, Joy, The Revenant, The Hateful Eight, and Much More!
There are seven big releases this Christmas 2015, and Rafer and Kristen review (almost) all of them. On the chopping block: "Concussion," "Joy," "The Revenant," "Daddy's Home," "The Hateful Eight," "Where to Invade Next," and "Point Break." Happy holidays, Movie Daters!
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Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Sisters, Coat of Many Colors
In this week's Movie Date podcast, Rafer and Kristne review "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," "Sisters," and "Coat of Many Colors. "The Force Awakens" is the latest installment in the "Star Wars" universe, and brings back many of characters from the original trilogy, including Han Solo, Captain...
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In the Heart of the Sea, The Big Short, Lady in the Van, and the Golden Globe Nods
In this week's Movie Date podcast, Rafer and Kristen review "In the Heart of the Sea" (Ron Howard's new film based on a real story of a whaling expedition gone awry), "The Big Short" (Adam McKay's dramedy about the housing market crash in the U.S.), and "Lady in the Van" (based on a real story of...
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Youth, Chiraq, The Letters, Krampus, Master of None
In this week's Movie Date podcast, Rafer and Kristen review "Youth" (a meditation on aging and creativity, starring Michael Cain and Harvey Keitel), "Chiraq" (Spike Lee's retelling of "Lysistrata"), "The Letters" (a biopic centering on Mother Theresa), and "Krampus" (a Christmas comedy-horror...
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Carol, The Good Dinosaur, Creed, The Danish Girl
This week's Thanksgiving edition of Movie Date includes reviews "Carol," "The Good Dinosaur," and "Creed"; as well as a conversation with the screenwriter of "The Danish Girl." "Carol," which is one of this year's Oscar contender, is directed by Todd Haynes and stars Cate Blanchett and Rooney…
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Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2, The Secret in Their Eyes, The Night Before
In this week's Movie Date podcast, Rafer and Kristen review "The Secrets in Their Eyes," "The Night Before," and "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2." They also hear from listeners who share the must-see movies they've never seen. And they respond to a listener who has a valid criticism from a...
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Love the Coopers, 33, By the Sea, Spotlight
After an invasion of strep throat, Kristen and Rafer are back! In this week's Movie Date podcast, they review Love the Coopers, 33, By The Sea, and Spotlight. At least one is an Oscar contender, but will any of them compare to what Kristen's been watching on her sick couch (specifically, the...
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Spectre, Peanuts, Brooklyn, Suffragette
This week's Movie Date podcast centers on a man named Bond, a boy named Brown, a borough called Brooklyn, and some women in Britain. The films are "Spectre" (the latest in the James Bond universe), "Peanuts" (featuring Charlie Brown and the gang), "Brooklyn" (about a young Irish immigrant in the...
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Our Brand is Crisis, Truth, Scout's Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse, Burnt
In this week's Movie Date podcast, Rafer and Kristen review two movies about politics, one about zombies, and another about a very mean chef. The first political film is called "Our Brand is Crisis," and it centers on a campaign consultant (Sandra Bullock) who goes to Bolivia to help a candidate...
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Jem, The Last Witch Hunter, The Ghost Dimension, Rock the Kasbah, and Room
This week's Movie Date podcast includes a very special radio play acted out by Rafer, Kristen, Sean Rameswaram (of the late, great "Sideshow" podcast), and Katie Bishop (of "Death, Sex & Money"). It's all in honor of the new film "Jem and the Holograms." Rafer and Kristen also review this week's...
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"Bridge of Spies," "Crimson Peak," "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend"
In this week's Movie Date podcast, Rafer and Kristen review "Bridge of Spies," "Crimson Peak," and the new musical TV series "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend." "Bridge of Spies" is a dramatization of a real Cold War prison swap, written by the Coen brothers, directed by Steven Spielberg, and starring Tom...
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"Steve Jobs," "Pan," and a Speed Date!
We've all heard of Peter Pan and Steve Jobs and there have been plenty of movies about them both. Do we need two more? Rafer and Kristen weigh in with their verdict on the new Danny Boyle / Aaron Sorkin biopic "Steve Jobs," starring Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen, and Jeff Daniels....
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"The Walk," "The Martian," and Movie Therapy
In this week's Movie Date podcast, Rafer and Kristen review "The Walk" and "The Martian," and administer some October-themed Movie Therapy. "The Walk" is a dramatization of the real Philippe Petit's tight rope walk between the World Trade Center twin towers in 1974. "The Martian" is an adaptation...
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"Stonewall," "Sicario," "The Intern," "Muppets"
This week's Movie Date podcast is filled with lessons, some of which involve handkerchiefs, some which end in cannibalism. For a chivalrous handkerchief lesson, there's "The Intern," starring Robert DeNiro as a wise 70-year-old intern working for a startup CEO played by Anne Hathaway. For a…
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Revenge of the Amazing Maize Maze
What's it like being trapped in a maze? Kristen knows. What's it like being able to pronounce Dermot Mulroney's name? Rafer knows. But there's a lot more to know beyond these questions in this week's Movie Date podcast! Like: What's it like to survive the deadliest day on Everest? (That's in the...
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Grandmas and Pastors
This week's podcast is all about grandparents and pastors. Some are good, some aren't so good, and some might just put you to sleep. On the grandparents front, we have "Grandma," starring Lilly Tomlin as a cantankerous poet, helping her teenage granddaughter to obtain and abortion. We also have…
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Walking in the Woods, Driving the Getaway Car
This week, Rafer and Kristen review "A Walk in the Woods" and "The Transporter Refueled." "Woods" is loosely based on the Bill Bryson book of the same name and stars Robert Redford and Nick Nolte as mismatched traveling partners who attempt to walk the Appalachian Trail. "Refueled" continues the...
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The Porn Episode
Today's episode of Movie Date is all about indecent movies, and it features special guest Dan Savage! Dan talks about Hump Fest, the amateur porn film festival that he founded which is now in its 11th year, and kicking off on August 28th in Brooklyn. And while on the topic of porn, Rafer and...
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The Ultimate Killing Machine
Two of this week's movies feature humans that have been programmed to be killing machines. Which, if either, is worth seeing? One is called "Hitman: Agent 47," and stars Rupert Friend and Zachary Quinto. The other is called "American Ultra," and stars Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart. There's...
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Would you rather live in 1963 or 1986?
This week's movies take us back in time, to 1986 and 1963. Which era would you rather live in? Our 1963-era film is "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." Directed by Guy Ritchie, and starring Armie Hammer and Henry Caville, the film is a spy romp inspired by the 1960s TV show of the same name. The 1986-era...
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Is This The Worst Action Movie Ever?
What does it sound like when sheep sing? Is Ricki flashy? And is "The Fantastic Four" the worst action movie ever? These and other questions are explored in this week's Movie Date podcast as Rafer and Kristen review "Shaun the Sheep," "Ricki and the Flash," and the newest version of "The…
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Vacation to an Achievable Mission
It's called "Mission Impossible," but by the time you hit the fifth movie, one can't help but wonder if it's really "Mission Achievable." These and other musings are included in this week's Movie Date podcast. In addition to "MI: Rogue Nation," Rafer and Kristen also review the newest film in the...
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Pac-man, Punches, Prison, and Pissed-Off Moms
Pac-man, punches, prison, and pissed-off moms. There's a lot to enjoy in this week's movies if you're a fan of any of these. Pac-man is one of the stars of "Pixels." Punches are central to the boxing movie "Southpaw." Prison is what's being explored in "The Stanford Prison Experiment." And...
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Is That Your Finger In the Jelly?
There are three very different jars of jelly on the shelf this week, and one man has his finger in every jar. That man's name is Judd Apatow. In addition to directing Amy Schumer in the week's big comedy, "Trainwreck," he's also the bro master behind half of Paul Rudd's movies (Rudd stars this…
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Check in Your Brain and Swap Your Body
Check in your brain, because you won't necessarily need it. And swap your body, because yes, you can. It's "Minions" and "Self/Less" time! In addition to reviewing the big releases, Rafer and Kristen also spend some time with "Walk of Shame," for this week's Mystery Date. And they also welcome...
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Proud to be an American
In this week's Movie Date podcast, Rafer and Kristen review "Terminator Genisys," "Amy," and "Magic Mike XXL." They also discuss the movies that make them feel proudest to be Americans (rest assured, there's no "Mister Smith" or "Born on the Fourth of July" on their lists). And, as always, with...
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When Animals Talk, Do We Really Want to Hear What They Say?
When animals talk, do we really want to hear what they say? It depends on whether it's a teddy bear or a dog who's doing the talking. After all, the teddy bear could be Ted, of "Ted 2," who's famous for his offensive mouth. Or, it could be Max, the war dog with PTSD in "Max." Rafer and Kristen...
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It's All About That Sax
Is "Inside Out" ripping off "Herman's Head"? Is "Dope" a remake of "Risky Business"? And what's up with all the sax solos on this week's Movie Date podcast? Rafer and Kristen explore these questions, plus dedicate some time to Sweatpants, and a very special Movie Therapy for someone who recently...
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Quirky Girls, Crazy Dads, and Working Women
This week's Movie Date podcast has a little something for everyone, especially those who love quirky girls, hate crazy dads, and presume that working women are the root of all evil. On the quirky girl front, we have "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl." For haters of crazy dads, we have "The…
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Sex and War and Rock and Roll
This week's Movie Date podcast is all sex and war and rock and roll, as Rafer and Kristen review "Entourage," "Testament of Youth," "Love and Mercy," and a special Mystery Date: "Sexual Intelligence," hosted by Kim Cattrall. All that, plus a real CIA spy gives her take on the new Melissa McCarthy...
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The Earth is Mad and So is Everyone in Hawaii
The earth is mad in "San Andreas" and everyone is mad in Hawaii. At least, they will be mad after they see "Aloha." Rafer and Kristen explain what all the madness is about in this week's Movie Date podcast. They also review "Hot Girls Wanted" and "Brian Wilson: I Just Wasn't Made for These Times"...
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The Future Isn't What It Used to Be
The future used to be a bright shiny thing covered in chrome and dreams. But as "Tomorrowland" reminds us, the future isn't what it used to be. That could be a good thing...or a very bad thing. In addition to looking ahead to the future, Rafer and Kristen also look back at the life of BASE jumper...
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Let's Sing A Song About Dystopia
When the world is coming to an end, and mankind is reduced to their most animal instincts, the only logical thing to do is race cars and sing pop songs a capella. At least, that's what you might think if you muddle this week's two big releases: "Mad Max: Fury Road," starring Charlize Theron and…
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Were You The Coolest Kid In Your High School?
Were you the coolest kid in your high school? Rafer and Kristen weren't. But neither was Jack Black (in his latest movie, that is). The film is called "The D Train," and it centers on the efforts of a former high school nobody to get the coolest kid from his class to attend the 20th reunion. Also...
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It's Like A Foreign Movie With No Subtitles
This week's Movie Date podcast features a look at "Welcome to Me," "The Avengers: Age of Ultron," "Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck," and more! There's also a deep-dive into whether superheroes are killing the movies with AM New York's Entertainment Editor Scott Rosenberg and Senior Editor Rob Levin....
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Let's Get Out Our Crystal Balls
Summer is right around the corner, and Rafer and Kristen can't wait. They share their top picks for the months ahead. On Kristen's list: "Pitch Perfect 2," "Spy," and "Magic Mike XXL." On Rafer's list: "Mad Max: Fury Road," "Love and Mercy," and "The Wolf Pack." Plus, they talk with Tom Beer…
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Is Technology Our Friend or Foe?
Technology: sometimes it helps us to stay connected. Sometimes it makes us a little too connected...or not connected enough. Consider this week's big movie, "Unfriended." In it, friends hang out online, from the comfort of their own homes, but maybe they'd be better off if they were all in the…
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Do You Ever Wish You Were Younger?
In this week's podcast, Rafer and Kristen look at three movies that explore youth versus age. "The Longest Ride" is the latest adaptation of a Nicholas Sparks novel, focusing on a young couple that learns lessons from an older man. "While We're Young" is Noah Baumbach's newest film, about a…
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Fighting Nazis, Fast (Not Furious), and Recommendations for Crying
This week, Rafer and Kristen explore movies that involve fighting Nazis and being fast (not furious). They also help a listener who wants help letting the tears out. On the chopping block: "Woman in Gold," starring Helen Mirren as a woman trying to reclaim the art that the Nazis stole from her...
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Sometimes A Predictable Date Can Still Be a Fine Date
This week's new releases aren't particularly unique, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're bad dates. In "Home," an adorable little alien tries to reunite with his species, and befriends a human girl along the way. In "It Follows," a teenage girl enjoys a fun night in the back seat with a boy...
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It's Like The Hunger Games, But Much Worse
This week's Movie Date podcast is all about new beginnings...or more accurately, questionable recycling of stuff we already know. We're talking about "The Gunman," which features the same director as "Taken," and an aging protagonist assassin who is not Liam Neeson (Sean Penn). Also on the…
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Trying on Glass Shoes, Spinning Lies, and Getting Away with Murder
This week's podcast is filled with liars, working girls, aging gangsters, millionaire murderers and bonus: an adoptee in need of some Movie Therapy. Our liars are the lobbyists and spin doctors profiled in "Merchants of Doubt." Our working girl is "Cinderella," who serves her evil stepmother and...
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A Less-Than-Best Hotel, Horrible Robots, and Cult Members on the Loose
In this week's Movie Date podcast, Rafer and Kristen review "The Second Best Marigold Hotel" and "Chappie." "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" continues the story of a retirement community in India made up of expats played by the UK's acting elite (Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, and Judi Dench,...
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Con Artists, Bringing Back the Dead, and Vampires in their Downtime
In this week's Movie Date podcast, there are a lot of heavy topics and lousy movies. The dark topics include theft ("Focus"), death ("The Lazarus Effect" and "Farewell to Hollywood"), and rape ("The Hunting Ground") The lousy movies include most of the above. But on the bright side, Jemaine...
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'The Duff,' 'Hot Tub Time Machine 2,' 'McFarland USA,' and Interviews with the Oscar Nominees
It's a jam-packed Movie Date, with reviews of 'The Duff,' 'Hot Tub Time Machine 2,' and 'McFarland USA,' as well as interviews with the Oscar nominees! Among the nominees: Damien Chazelle, the director and writer of "Whiplash" James Marsh, the director of "The Theory of Everything" Director…
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'Fifty Shades of Grey,' 'Old Fashioned,' 'Kingsman: The Secret Service,' 'The Slap'
Put on your handcuffs. After much anticipation, 'Fifty Shades of Grey' hits theatres. Also on the chopping block: 'Old Fashioned' and 'Kingsman: The Secret Service.' For this week's Sweatpants pick, Rafer and Kristen dig deep into NBC's newest miniseries, 'The Slap,' directed by Lisa Choledenko…
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'Jupiter Ascending,' 'Mr. Turner,' 'Lovesick,' 'Spongebob,' 'Seventh Son,' Movie Therapy & Sweatpants!
It's another jam-packed week at the Movie Date podcast, as Rafer and Kristen take on 'Jupiter Ascending,' 'Mr. Turner,' 'Lovesick,' 'Spongebob,' 'Seventh Son,' Movie Therapy & Sweatpants! And, as always, there's trivia!
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'Black or White,' 'Project Almanac,' 'Song One,' Sweatpants & Movie Therapy
In this week's Movie Date podcast, Rafer and Kristen cover all the bases with new releases, Sweatpants picks, an interview, Movie Therapy, and, of course, trivia! On the new releases front: they review the teen time travel adventure "Project Almanac," Anne Hathaway's indie music romance "Song…
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'Cake,' 'The Boy Next Door,' 'Strange Magic,' 'Mordecai,' and Movie Therapy
Its one of those rare weeks, when most of the new releases star women. Among them: 'Cake,' starring Jennifer Aniston; 'The Boy Next Door,' starring Jennifer Lopez; 'Strange Magic,' starring Evan Rachel Wood; and 'Mordecai,' starring Johnny Depp (and Gwyneth Paltrow). In addition to reviewing the...