The Debut Film Podcast

This episode, learn about Keira Knightly’s debut film, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999) with your hosts (and Star Wars fans) Adam and Kenny. The second episode to tackle a film from a major franchise, your hosts compare and contrast the old with the new and analyze each aspect of what makes a great (or bad) Star Wars film. Learn how Knightly’s role in the film morphed during production and delve into her behind the scenes experience joining one of the most successful film franchises of all time at just 12 years old. 

Tune into this episode for a scene by scene recap and analysis of Spiderman Homecoming (2017), Zendaya’s debut film. This episode is a fun listen whether you are a marvel fan revisiting Spiderman or you are being introduced to the story for the first time. Join Adam and Kenny as they give their thoughts on the film and Zendaya’s iconic portrayal of dry, witty, artsy, Michelle. 

Your hosts are finally back from a tech-trouble induced hiatus! This episode covers Anna Kendrick’s debut film, Camp (2003). Listen in to hear a hilarious recounting of this cult classic’s plot accompanied by details about the film’s production and Kendrick’s involvement. Plus, Adam and Kenny’s personal connections to the world of live theater and the antics that go along with it. 

Join your hosts as they discuss I Could Never Be Your Woman (2007), starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Paul Rudd, and our subject for this week: a young Soairse Ronan. Adam and Kenny give their thoughts on this romantic comedy as well as an in-depth  look into Ronan’s early career, acting style, and involvement with this project.  The following videos are references for this episode:  https://youtu.be/1lxgmfW05E4 https://youtu.be/NzyN5kcbusY https://youtu.be/lIHWgKIXaJU

In this episode, Adam and Kenny debate characters’ motivations as they analyze John Cusack’s debut film: Class (1983). This 80’s film is part high school movie, part male fantasy, and part dark commedy with endearing and natural performances from its young cast. Although the film is filled with humor, it brings into focus heavy subject matter that causes your hosts to consider contrasting interpretations.

In this episode’s film: North (1994), our title character is a kid who feels unappreciated by his parents and decides to become a free agent in search of new ones. North, (Elijah Wood) travels around the world on his quest, running into a star-studded cast along the way. This cast includes our subject for this episode: Scarlett Johansson, when she was still a little kid. Listen in for some laughs and a lively discussion about a movie full of whimsy and good old-fashioned fun.

This episode delves into Valley Girl (1983), a teen romantic comedy starring our actor for this week: Nicolas Cage. Although fairly formulaic, Cage has sited this box-office success as being an extremely formative project in his early career. Join Kenny and Adam as they discuss the charming, difficult, and fascinating aspects of Cage’s debut film. 

In this episode, your hosts discuss Timothée Chalamet’s first project, Men, Women, and Children (2014). Through a series of interwoven storylines, this film observes the trials and tribulations of adults and teens in the age of the internet. Tune in for a discussion about Timothée Chalamet and the craziness of life here on this pale blue dot.

In this episode, your hosts discuss Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990), which is our debut film for one of Adam’s favorite actors, Sam Rockwell. This campy comic book movie is full of charm, practical affects, and action. Tune in for a discussion on a fun film and an unexpected rating from Kenny at the end of the episode.

In this episode, your hosts explore a film whose origins are perhaps more interesting than the plot. Julia (1977) debuted decidedly one of the most prolific actresses of our age: Meryl Streep. Starring Jane Fonda and Vanessa Redgraves, this part slice of life, part forbidden love story, part WW2 spy thriller, is a fascinating film to unpack in its own right. Intriguingly, the memoir upon which it is based and the author who penned the story hold controversies equally full of drama.