FINE I’ll review this podcast to let the world know y’all are great and chaotic. Thanks for filling my brain void with mostly nice things.

I found this podcast initially because of my love for Katy Rich and all things Oscars. Over the years of listening, I have throughly grown to appreciate how vastly different the four hosts are. I would be fascinated to know how the four of you met and what possessed you to start a podcast together. Also, David Erlich, I love your strong takes (don’t always agree, often I do). David and Katy’s dynamic is especially fun listening to their differences and how they play off each other.

[edited to fix spelling of a host's name. Whose? Who can say. Also I love that the podcast opens with the car horn sound from the beginning of Paprika.] After an outburst from David that was either an attempt at self-deprecation or a withering rebuke to his friends and Matt Patches, I felt moved to leave a review of Fighting in the War Room on official channels. Because whatever these four professional critics might claim, the truth will out: This is a good podcast! Dave Gonzales and Katey Rich share perspectives from film communities outside the NY/LA scene, something I appreciate as a guy who's lived most of his life in CO/AZ/NM: this is a good podcast! David Ehrlich is a massive repository for knowledge about movies where one character asks another character a question, and the second character stays silent for way too long, like 10-15 seconds, while her face contorts with an unspoken emotional distress that the first character doesn't acknowledge, and also doesn't acknowledge that he's been waiting for a response for like 30 seconds now, which is not a way two people have ever conducted a conversation in real life, and yet it's in a lot of movies, and Ehrlich knows all of them and recommends most, and many of the ones he recommends are quite good despite this choice: this is a good podcast! Matt Patches is also here: this is a good podcast! He and Katey talk about their kids' reactions to films, which gives me ideas about what to check out for my nieces and nephews: this is a good podcast! On the last episode, Dave mentioned the White Stripes song "Conquest," and even though none of these four professional film critics remembered that a section of that regrettably-overlooked song was used as a musical sting in the hilariously-forgotten James Franco/Seth Rogen comedy The Interview, which, remember when that represented the most egregious example of foreign interference in the U.S. economy? Anyway, this is a good podcast; that fact about the song isn't that interesting anyway. The best discussion podcasts sound like you think you sound when you're with your friends in a bar for hours, and that's what this one does.

Highly entertaining. I’d listen to these folks talk about anything. And as a 61-year-old have sat thru reviews of games and gaming related content (as a non-gamer) because they made it fun. Thank you all and keep up the great work.

Love the podcast. David needs more structure not less. Maybe a timer too. He does not need any more excuse to ramble or any excuse to be less prepared.

For my 11th anniversary review of the podcast. I’m writing at the end of the live show. (Yes, I was the one who messed up and waiting the entire stream in not an open stream- my wife’s YouTube handle is Annery). For my review this year it’s in two parts: 1) the annual recommendation for this wonderful quartet of hosts who have created a simply stellar film community. Listening is the best choice you can make!! 2) It’s time to update the FitWR Hall of Fame!! This year I bring one potential nominee. The film I think that has entered the HOF this year is: Nightbitch. After many mentions and good discussions this year it’s in prime position to join. But what do you think??? (Also, should the Elder Millennial Cannon be a wing inside the Hall Of Fame— AKA should they be included?)

Question. This should probably be an email but I’m lazy. I’ve been listening for a while now but not forever so idk if this has been addressed previously. Why do you guys not have ads? It’s great as a listener but seems odd for you guys. Just wondering.

I first found Dave, Neil, and Joanna in 2019 during the Lost rewatch podcast, at a time when I was in a very dark place—midway through the first Trump administration and stuck in a toxic job. They got me through those two disasters and followed it up by getting me through (the first?) pandemic. I’ve also followed Katie Rich since her American Crime Story: Impeachment coverage for Vanity Fair, so Fighting in the War Room felt like a natural fit. Now, my husband and I are rewatching The Leftovers with Dave and Neil, making them a core part of our media lives. This podcast often covers films and art that are outside my comfort zone, but the thoughtful discussions have made me braver—sometimes watching through my fingers while my husband reassures me the worst has passed. It’s made me a more informed media consumer, and, according to my husband, more willing to watch movies I’d normally avoid—because if my favorite podcasters say it’s worth it, I’ll at least give it a shot. Fair warning: you may develop a parasocial relationship with the hosts, to the point where your partner claims they no longer need to listen—because you quote them so much, it already feels like they do. And no, this definitely won’t cause any minor household disagreements when you refuse to watch a movie your husband suggested last week… only to suddenly need to watch it now because Dave or Katie said it was worth your time. Not at all. In fact, the state of Illinois should strongly consider adding Fighting in the War Room as an official third party in all movie-watching contracts aka marriage licenses.

Many solid points have been made about the merits of piracy, especially when it comes to lost media. However, Dave casually remarked that one should pirate Sonic 3 because “it’s not hurting anybody.” As an actor, I can tell you—that’s completely false. I’ve worked on a variety of TV shows over the years, and I’ve watched my residuals absolutely plummet. I was on a network show for 17 episodes over four seasons, and now that it lives on a streamer, my residuals are—no exaggeration—a fraction of what they used to be. Meanwhile, that streamer thrives, and the show has been pirated into oblivion. Because streaming residuals are terrible, the theatrical window—or the actual network run of a show—is more vital than ever. That’s where most of us have any hope of making a living. When something gets pirated right out of the gate, it weakens that revenue stream, making it even harder for actors and crew members to earn a fair share of a project’s success. Now, when you pirate Sonic 3 or Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, you might think, Well, the studio made a bunch of money, it’s fine. But every single one of those actors listed in the credits is hoping—sometimes desperately—that they’ll see even a sliver of that success. That includes supporting actors and day players, many of whom rely on those residuals for health insurance and, if they’re lucky, a shot at a pension. That’s a huge part of what the recent SAG strike was about. Am I saying that pirating Sonic 3 is single-handedly taking away someone’s health insurance? No. But it certainly isn’t helping the people below the line. That’s why it’s frustrating to hear piracy justified as if it only hurts studios and celebrities. I haven’t heard this perspective brought up in the conversation yet, and it feels like something worth saying. Beyond acting, I’m also an independent filmmaker, making a lot of content on the internet. The idea that “piracy is fine” has led to people pirating micro-budget projects, which does directly impact sustainability for artists. Maybe the genie is out of the bottle, but hearing you just shrug and say, “It is what it is,” is a massive bummer. Hopefully, this plants a seed for a different perspective worth considering. That said, love the podcast—keep it up.

Longtime - first apple account review time It’s just real great to consistently feel the excitement of seeing a new episode of y’all’s wonderful podcast show up each week! Any tears for Watto?

These are smart, well thought out people talking about the current happenings of cinema. HOWEVER, the incessant talking OVER of each other ales this podcast almost impossible to enjoy. They podcast over Zoom, and yet somehow, after years of working in this manner, still have not figured out how to balance the conversation in such a way that allows each person to speak and get their thoughts out. Really frustrating, and I wish they could work out a better system.

I really enjoyed both of Luca Guadagnino’s movies released this year. I like QUEER the better of the two. I’ve been listening to appraisals for the greatness of CHALLENGERS over the past year. As its release was pushed back, film folks reassured this is a movie to bet on. It was received exceptionally well and the rest of the year, it has been constantly brought up in awards consideration. I’ve seen mostly dismissals of QUEER since it came out and I’m flummoxed, since I liked it more. I’m listening to Big Picture with Sean and Joanna talking Globe noms and Jo in response to Craig’s nom is that nobody likes that movie. Sean and Adam Nayman on a previous episode said they were “stumped” by it. Now I hear Katey echoing Joanne’s “nobody likes this including me” takeaway. A lot of critics I follow are also tepid on it. Am I missing something? It’s a wonderfully surreal movie about unsynchronized feelings set in a time and place beautifully reconstructed at Cinecittà Studios. I read the adapted text and also the Vulture piece by Ira Silverberg about his relationship to it beforehand. Incredible score & a fascinating soundtrack selection attributed to Burroughs. Apparently the Trent & Atticus score took close to a year to complete, whereas the CHALLENGERS score took a month. I love to see Daniel Craig in this sort of role and it’s arguably a career best. Jason Schwartzman is a great comedic foil to Craig too. Lesley Manville is unrecognizable and a total hoot. Drew Starkey I am new to, but he shares my last name, so I give him a thumbs up. There’s also a hot snowballing scene. It melted my heart. Why are people resisting this? Love the pod. Here’s to a 2025 that won’t make a movie called QUEER illegal.

Calling Wicked the worst movie to be in Oscar conversation when there are disrespectful films about race and identity and films that are just bad is insane - sorry but like it’s an unfollow folks - congrats on being part of the toxic film bro nonsense

Sooooo ignore my past review, that was my evil twin. Something about “Holocaust Harris”? Who knows. That person must’ve been really stoned late at night. Anywho, love the show!! You all rule!!

Listening to the latest episode about the Blair Witch project and thinking about the many people who believed it was a real documentary on release. Got me wondering, is this our modern War of the World’s, “oh no, aliens are actually evading!” event? That’s all. Thanks for the great podcast. Keep on keeping on. PS - this is the result of shower thoughts on 3 hours of sleep and dead college brain before finals. Apologies if it does not make sense.

What is there to say about the best podcast, that hasn’t already been said? You all deserve five stars alone for not subjecting me to ads. Glibness has no place in this review though, as I truly adore you all. It has been an absolute joy listening to critiques, politics, and personal growth over the past decade. Katey Rich is my North Star where film is concerned, and someone I greatly respect. Thank you for always making award season more interesting; Prestige Junkie is really good! Da7e’s transitions between segments are excellent and the lens with which he views culture is invaluable. Matt Patches, the true wild card of the pod, constantly has me vacillating between laughter and uncertainty. David Ehrlich has a wonderful way of writing that I find to be comprehensive

Hey! This is Justin, from Ithaca, NY. Longtime listener, first time reviewer (Sorry it took so long). In addition to being a movie obsessive, I am a professional radio DJ, so I am also a music obsessive. I was hoping that whatever assortment of hosts appear on this episode could list their favorite bands/artists of all time. Thanks for all that you do, your show is a highlight of my week. PS. David - Ignore the haters! You’re always entertaining, even when I vehemently disagree with your takes. Never change!!

I’ve been listening for a long time and have always loved the vibe and relationship between all 4 hosts. I have wanted to write a review several times but Matt Patches’ broadcast TV review corner pushed me over the edge! Please keep covering all the random stuff you all do :) -MB

Hi there! Im Alice and I listen to this show a lot, you’re all the best! Never written in before to any show because it’s intimidating. But I just finished Onibaba at 2:30am in a dark room as it was deemed “The best horror movie of all time” by David in the last episode. It really got under my skin and now I can’t sleep, so now Im writing this and blaming David for my insomnia. Dont have that much to say about the movie at this moment having just watched it, really loved the sound design. I think its a masterpiece. Its really inspired me to dig a big hole. Thank you for the nice podcasts and good writing, Alice

would just like to request that david put my pledge and no turning around in the best of the year video

This review has been a long time coming, but due to life (kids, work, laziness, forgetfulness, etc.) I have been unable to write it. But now I will. What can I say about a podcast that I stumbled across and no longer even remember how I discovered it? For me, this podcast has gone from an unknown to one of my top 5 eagerly awaited weekly podcasts. The camaraderie between everyone is great and gives a listener a relaxed sense of comfort while listening. The intellect shown by all is also wonderful and gives me a bit of pleasure since I happen to actually get headaches whenever I hear people say stupid things (this is not a lie). Now onto each member of the team: Katey is the glue for this podcast. Whenever she is not on, it’s like a cloudy day. While the show is not necessarily diminished by her absence (which speaks volumes of the overall talent of all involved), it is like a warm/beautiful, sunny day when she’s there. Please don’t ever leave, and if anything, stop letting the guys (*cough* Patches / David *cough*) speak over you. Matt (Patches) brings intellect and humor to the podcast. His anecdotes tying his personal life in with whatever he’s discussing do amuse me greatly. His recent subtle annoyance at David’s disregard of his opinions also amuse me. I know it’s all love in the end so please carry on doing what you do. Da7e is awesome. He’s hooked me up on Twitter (I’m dondeblah btw) and he’s definitely the most relaxed of the group. He’s just as knowledgable as the others and the man’s a true geek which is great. I believe he’s the one that got me into the other podcasts (Thought Bubble / Storm of Spoilers / Cast of Kings). Above all, it makes me quite proud to hear a Latino doing well and representing. Once again, Da7e is awesome. Finally, David. David is Jon Lovitz’s The Critic in real life. David appears to hate every movie that doesn’t revolve around a doily or Channing Tatum dancing around. To each his own I guess. While his dismissal of everyone else’s opinion on most every topic, he is still fascinating to listen to due to his incredible film knowledge. Give the man puppy, or kitten, because the bitterness seeps through my headphones. Ok, that’s more than enough to make up for not reviewing earlier. The podcast’s great and I’m very happy to have found. I highly recommend it to everyone. You will learn some stuff and be entertained.

Hi! A couple things for the best podcast in the universe: 1 - as a 40 something year old ex-Brooklyn resident with small children, (who recently went on a vacation with kids and family in a country with a 6-hr time difference) it’s always fun and freeing to hear about y’alls personal struggles (including those with breath of the wild bosses!) 2 - My kids love Totoro to pieces, but it feels like there’s no other kid movie that comes close to it (even other Ghibli movies) - any recs? 3 - For the end of the year top ten lists, I always feel like it would be really informative if everyone had seen most movies on the other host’s lists: how else wouldlda listener assess whether that Patches pick is an unwatchable disaster (*cough* Confess, Fletch *cough*) or if that Ehrlich pick that sounds inaccessible would in fact be palatable to my significant other? 4 - More foreign movies please! It feels like the US press in general has a tiny pipeline of foreign movies that make it into the indie spotlight, while vast swaths of truly amazing (and fun) foreign cinema goes completely unnoticed! Just looking at the “Cahiers du Cinema”’s top 10 lists of the past years gives some concrete examples of overlooked movies in the US, but on the more accessible side of the spectrum, funny and original movies like Quentin Dupieux’s would IMO be right in the wheelhouse of the FITWR crew! That said, you all are still the best! To celebrating your 50s in a few years :)

I'm curious about the source of the snippet of music from episode #459 at 14:24 right after the intro. The words sound ike “Unicool in manusenua, freezin cool in nights in my tuzo”. You used the same music throughout 2022 if I recall correctly. By the way, love the show.

Hi FITWR, I am once again updating my review of the podcast in response to something Dave was talking about during last week’s review segment. Regarding the competition with your partner to see who can watch the most movies you’ve never seen before, like Dave’s partner I also watched Chinatown for the first time this year as a part of a self-imposed double feature of that and the Fincher Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (not a 1st time watch) which happened to occur on the night Trump got shot at. The vibes were weird even without that real life event so I’m not sure I would recommend this double feature but since he mentioned Chinatown I felt compelled to write in. Thanks for all the work you do to put this podcast out even with all your busy lives/work schedules! It is greatly appreciated!

I found this pod after following Dave on Letterboxd and being totally mystified by all the random movies he watches. Can now say I look forward to every episode and just love the vibes of the pod. The hosts have a great blend of enthusiasm and snark. Thanks for a great pod!

I think it has been nearly 7 years since my last review so time to update it. My first review requested more Joanna which the universe answered in that there is a whole other podcast network were I get my fill of the Joannaverse. But back to FITWR and what makes this group special. Not only is this a top tier podcast for the individuals talent levels and letterbox recommendations, but as a listener since the very beginning it feels like the appeal has even grown in me as the podcast advances. Now discussing things like parenthood (my kids are similar ages) and whatever it took to keep ourselves sane during the pandemic, the hosts friendship and history is apparent from the first listen. The older I’ve gotten the more I look forward to David’s takes and reading his reviews on indiewire even if I generally lean more toward Dave’s opinion when it comes to movie taste. I always find that I can connect to a different persons view on pop culture each episode and especially on connecting to your kids through gaming like Katey (except for us it’s Pokémon not Zelda) or after school activities like Patches (for me it’s coaching my daughters soccer and being involved in her plays). So five stars would highly recommend to anyone in the 30-45 demo interested in great takes and a good hang. But don’t let this review stop the podcast from talking about Marvel Snap and the rise of Areshem and donating bubs for Nova. What I really want to know is can there be a Snap FITWR alliance so I can feel like I’m playing with everyone? 🤪

I look forward to listening every week, glad the twisters gotcha same as gotch-me. Since you record on Wednesdays, big request for this five-star review: my son who loves weather is turning 7… “Wednesday, July 31: on this day in 2017, Isaac S. was born, and his mom listened to the FITWR crew post-delivery walking him around the halls.” <3

Now that David has a microphone, can the next crowdsourcing goal be to get Patches a leash of some kind that keeps his mouth near the dangass mic?

Love you guys! Always 5 stars but this latest episode was crazy with how much typing sounds were coming from presumably David. Why does he hate our ears and listening experience so much!? 😭

This is a pretty good podcast.

Dave with a 7, Katie Rich, and Matt Patches rule. David Ehrlich is the film critic version of comic book store guy from the Simpsons. And no he’s not the critic from “the critic.” Any episode he’s not in is 5 stars.

Its been about six months since I checked in on FITW, a great podcast that ebbs and flows in my listening rotation, and returning with some distance made something stand out to my ears. How does Ehrlich still sound like he’s recording from inside an empty aquarium tank? It’s 2024, can we finally upgrade your audio situation? Thank you all for your hours of entertainment and insightful discussions :)

I’ve been listening to the “Elder Millennial” ep for about an hour but haven’t made it past the first minute and a half yet. Incredible cover Patches, bravo! The cover was so good it got me to write my first review in 7 years of listening to the pod. My sister recommended FITWR to me way back. Thank you Morgan for your great taste / recommendations and thanks to the hosts for putting out a great show every week (give or take). Go Celtics!

Look what you made me write. But what other opinion am I supposed to have after hockey talk? Hockey boring? Falser words have never been spoken. THEY HAVE KNIVES ON THEIR SHOES!!! Hockey, and especially playoff hockey, is the most exciting sport on the planet. Nothing else comes close. Segment idea: Instead of talking about Marvel Snap if there are no reviews, how about David talks about hockey? How badly do you guys want reviews? In all sincerity I love the podcast (I've been listening since the beginning) and despite awful hockey takes, all of the hosts are great. Vanity Fair can go screw. Edit: RIP Rangers. Sorry David (sincerely...the Panthers might as well be Vanity Fair). Go Bruins! And more urgently, go Celtics!

I have either been bitten by a radioactive David Ehrlich or I have fallen into a vat of glowing green toxic Film Discourse for I am agreeing with David with increasing frequency. I fear the transformation is almost complete[Brundlefly moving the shotgun barrel to his head .gif]

Truer words never spoken. Come for the comraderie. Embrace the strongly held, reasoned opinions. Suffer through the hot-take-o-rama. Mostly appreciate how fifteen plus years, 6 children, and geographic and professional upheaval don’t stop friends from getting together and ragging one another. Feel better soon, Da7e! “Matt, now you’re just listing things.”

I’m a new listener- I followed Katey Rich over here since I could no longer listen to her on that other podcast that will not be named. So far I am really enjoying myself and I can’t believe it took me so long to discover these folks. A great balance of reviews and Hollywood industry talk.

Dear FITWR crew! I am writing this review for the show in the middle of cleaning my home. I actually interrupted myself mid-vacuuming to compose this. Prior to starting my daily chores I queued up the most recent episode of the show as I usually do. As I was about ready to clean up all the crumbs up from between couch cushions, David began to read a review in which someone docked this lovely show two stars because of his insightful and nuanced demeanor (I think they replaced the traits I bestow on him with “pretentious and condescending”). I just had to write in and counter this - there seems to be this more and more prevalent attitude people have towards Ehrlich that he is a grump or someone who hates everything. It’s obvious they don’t actually follow David on letterboxd or read his criticism on Indie Wire or even watch the videos which have become a favorite of the online film community in which he lists his FAVORITE films from a given year. They also seemingly look over the fact that David is a critic and is paid to critique. Furthermore and broadly speaking, it seems strange to me that people so often will write off someone’s entire body of work or call them a hack if they don’t agree with them on everything. I, for one, can not think of a single person that I agree with 100% of the time - especially when it comes to film. I hardly always agree with David on every opinion whether it be a take on this show, Blank Check, or one of his reviews. I know David hardly needs me to come to his defense (one of the things I appreciate so much about him is the nonchalantness in which he approaches these opinions on him and his work). And maybe this is overkill but I would say that his opinion, just like every co-host (all of whom I adore), is vital to why anyone listens to this show. All the hosts’ positions are valid and what make the dynamics so much fun to listen to. I love it when he’s on and when he’s not. I came to FITWR because of David and Katey’s appearances on Blank Check and have come to love it just as much as I adore that gang of friends. My main point is - if David or any element where different it wouldn’t be this show. Also, this fear of or distaste for diverging opinions is simply silly and just would not make for good dialogue surround cinema - or any kind of art at that. The last thing I’ll add is this: just because a critic has a different opinion than you or expresses things in a way you necessarily wouldn’t does not mean you should negate them whole-cloth. If you do, you’re possibly missing out on an interesting perspective and an opportunity to broaden your own worldview and appreciation for cinema. That is just what David and the entire FITWR do for me every time I read their writing and once a week when I listen to them all together. Love you all and love this show! David is the best! Bye now, Ian.

Hey all! I’ve only been listening for a few months but this has quickly become one of five podcasts I listen to regularly. I actually like how often all four hosts don’t agree on a given topic, it keeps the discussions lively. Keep up the good work! (PS: Congrats to Katey and The Ankler!) (PPS: To those of us with no interest in Marvel Snap, you’re welcome lol)

Love these folks and look forward to every episode. I’ve followed Dave around through many different shows and can’t get enough of him. Glad to hear Dave is healing up. Bummed to hear Katy’s VF news - but VF has been falling off for a while Ave I’m sure you will move in to better things.

Real quick on the colonoscopy thread - I waited until 45 to get mine done and it was oddly very pleasant. I’ve had surgery with anesthesia before and I woke up confused, strapped to a gurney and in a lot of pain. Totally different with the colonoscopy! I was out for a very short period of time and woke up refreshed, pain free and in a great mood. It was like I took a really good nap and woke up after being asleep the perfect amount of time. Ok, the night before isn’t so awesome as you basically chug stool softeners to clear everything away, but it’s really not that bad. The important thing is I got the screening done and they removed two polyps. Not all polyps are cancerous but all colon cancer starts in polyps so I’d prefer to have none. I’ll have it done again in ten years. Totally covered by insurance, no claims of rectal bleeding necessary as I was at the recommended age. Love the show!

Hello, FITWR hosts! I have been fans of all of your work separately for a long time, but I’ve never listened to this podcast because I felt I already had too many pop culture podcast listens. However, I have been listening to Little Gold Men for almost its entire run, and I am INCENSED on Katey’s behalf by VF’s stupid and short-sighted decision to let her go. I don’t want to be in a world where I don’t get to heat Katey’s takes, so I’m here, reporting for duty 🫡

Hey there! Love the show! I’ve been listening for about a year or so now, I guess. My b on taking so long to do this. Initially found my way here for more Katey content - been a Little Goldie since the verrrry beginning, woulda done better in the Oscar pool if I’d remembered my dang login to change things at the last minute…and devastated to hear the news of your forced departure…thank god I’ll still have this one! Also found my way here shortly after discovering Trial By Content, and happy to have double Da7e doses too! I knew Ehrlich from Blank Check, and Patches was mostly new to me, but this show has quickly become one of my favorite hangout pods. No goals, just chat. You’re all excellent bus companions. So glad Da7e is recovering well, hope it stays that way with your gnarly open wound! Be well, all! —JK (that’s my name, not kidding about everything I said!)

Was always waiting to write a review for the right time and today seemed like the time to do so. In the world of online film criticism that can be so pompous, overly defensive and gratingly self-righteous, Katey brings a sense of joy and passion that can make it worth wading through all that other muck. I’m so sad to hear about the news at Vanity Fair but I’m so glad this podcast exists if for nothing else but to be able to hear one of my favorite voices on film. Corporations crumble and fade away, Katey Rich is forever!

Feel better, bud. We love you. (Erhlich: if you read this out loud on the podcast, don’t say that sarcastically, please)

David Ehrlich is too much of a depressive bloviator—in both his words and his tone—even when I agree with him. The other hosts are great, but David too often causes me to stop listening. Drop David and it’d be 5 stars. Sorry, Dave.

Team David

I've been listening for years and just needed the right review title to actually get me to write this. Thanks, Da7e! I know this will probably encourage the wrong behavior, but I kind of like all the background noise that various mics (David's?) pick up. It's immersive! Anyways, ya'll rule. Never change.

I heard about you folks through Katey’s annual Thanksgiving appearances on THOB, plus them using part of your URL. So far, it’s been a fun listen of film criticism and pop culture ephemera. Where else would you hear Ehrlich’s contrarian preference for the auteur driven films to Patches takes on broad appealers. I’m also glad that Da7e is able to breakdown the convoluted cash cow known as the MCU. Aside from current media, your references ranging from Titanic to obscurities (e.g. Home Fries, Drop Dead Fred, etc.) remind me of exposures that were carried down to me after the fact from my older sibling. Even being a decade younger, her opinions being similar to your takes is coincidental. Also I’m laughing at the shout outs to Plymouth Meeting, PA since I live near that area. But overall, I’m enjoying my time of having my tastes be broaden. So keep up the entertainment. - Peter

I came to this podcast like many others, through some combination of Blank Check and finding Ehrlich’s year end movies on kottke.org. I love the hosts old friend group vibe combined with the knowledge and and insight you get from a getting a bunch of people who do media commentary for a living together. In a different era I would have loved to follow everybody on Twitter but I’ve abandoned that husk of a site, and at the end of every episode I sure wish I’d hear at least one host call out a Mastodon handle. Yes I did write a whole dang review just to plug non-corporate social media, but podcasts are such a great example of decentralized media I don’t understand why people don’t consider that other forms of media can work that way too 😭