The Analysis: A Movie and TV Podcast

Episode 301 – Chair Company, Bagonia & the Anxiety of Being Extremely Online Matt and Bob are back “to pod” and this week they’re double-featuring two very different brands of unhinged: Tim Robinson’s The Chair Company on HBO and Yorgos Lanthimos’ new black comedy Bagonia. First up, they break down why Chair Company’s pilot might be an all-timer — deviled eggs, mall-restaurant discourse, wheelbarrow talk, and HR meetings about accidental upskirt eye contact — but why the season’s tone, length, and “Scrooge porn” detours make it a tougher hang than I Think You Should Leave or Friendship. There’s bouncer Mike, Wazy Wanes, giant wieners, and the eternal question: how many huge bits are too many huge bits? Then they head into the basement with Bagonia, digging into Jesse Plemons’ beautifully weird performance, Emma Stone’s corporate-speak alien CEO, and a story that sits somewhere between Ari Aster dread and Wes Anderson precision. They unpack conspiracy-brain vs. Big Pharma, torture in a foil-lined basement, corporate “no PTO, but take all the time you need” doublespeak, and an ending that somehow manages to combine telekinesis, exploding heads, and puffy tribunal aliens in a way that’s both dark and oddly funny. Along the way, the guys shout out Jim Downey’s late-career run, Will Tracy’s Onion/Succession DNA, and close with a few rapid-fire watches on their radar: Train Dreams, J. Kelly, Task, Hamnet, and the Safdies’ Christmas chaos ride Marty Supreme. If you’ve ever fallen down a conspiracy rabbit hole, worked in a soul-sucking office, or just love watching deeply weird men completely derail their lives, this one’s for you

Bob is joined once again by resident musical theatre brain Brittney Brown to bring their Wicked movie series in for a landing with Wicked: Part Two. Fresh out of the theater (and a little shot out of a cannon), they unpack whether Act Two really is weaker than Act One, how the film handles “For Good,” and if splitting the story into two movies was bold storytelling…or a glittery cash grab. They dive into: Why “Defying Gravity” might still break the show’s structural rules—and why that’s okay The emotional (and structural) heavy lifting of Act Two, including “No Good Deed” and “As Long As You’re Mine” Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s performances, chemistry, and Oscar potential The animals, Bach’s transformation, and what the film fixes (or fumbles) from the stage show Rewatchability, double-feature vibes, and what this adaptation means for future movie musicals Stick around to the end as Bob and Brittney talk about that final Grimmerie moment, the future of the “Wicked-verse,” and why big, earnest movie musicals like this still feel a little bit like magic.

Matt and Bob fire up the lab equipment for a new Analysis on Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, fresh to Netflix. What should have been the director’s long-awaited monster opus instead leaves them puzzling over CGI deer, swoony color palettes, and a strangely sexy Jacob Elordi. They dig into Oscar Isaac’s mad-scientist energy, Christoph Waltz’s syphilitic benefactor, and why del Toro’s empathy may have drained the horror from Mary Shelley’s tale. From Victorian melodrama to Twilight-core vibes, the guys debate whether this gothic romance ever truly comes alive. Then they pivot to The Smashing Machine—Benny Safdie’s gritty UFC biopic starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson—and talk addiction, obsession, and Emily Blunt’s thankless “nagging girlfriend” archetype. Rounding out the episode: Oscar buzz power rankings (One Battle After Another, Hamnet, Sentimental Value), and a quick look at upcoming awards-season heavy hitters like Bagonia and Marie Supreme.

Bob and Rob Grabowski return to The Analysis to talk funny — diving deep into two documentaries that celebrate the architects of laughter: Colin Hanks’ “I Like Me” (on John Candy) and Fred Armisen’s “Downey Wrote That” (on longtime SNL head writer Jim Downey). From Candy’s mix of heart and heartbreak to Downey’s sharp political wit, the episode unpacks how these two legends shaped the DNA of modern comedy. Expect reflections on Planes, Trains & Automobiles, the “I like me” speech, improv at Second City, SNL lore, and even Norm Macdonald’s Weekend Update rebellion. It’s a nostalgic, bittersweet ride through laughter, legacy, and what it means to be funny and human at the same time.

EP297 – One Battle After Another: PTA’s Event Cinema Masterpiece Matt and Bob are back with special guest Spenser Davis to break down Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another — a film already being hailed as one of the best of the decade. From VistaVision screenings to opening-night AMC experiences, the crew dives into what makes this movie feel like a true cinematic event. We unpack Leo’s “doofus era” performance, Benicio del Toro’s scene-stealing calm, Sean Penn’s wild villain turn, and how PTA balances chaos, comedy, and revolution in a way that feels both urgent and timeless. The conversation hits everything from Oscar predictions to Spielberg/Scorsese praise, the “Christmas Adventurers Club,” and the instant-classic desert car sequence that had audiences holding their breath. This episode is part awards talk, part dad talk, and all-in movie love — a celebration of PTA’s 10th film as a pop-culture and critical milestone. Lightning has struck.

Award season is here, and the Emmys just dropped! Matt and Bob are joined once again by our awards correspondent, Spenser Davis, to break down the highs, lows, and everything in between from this year’s telecast. From Nate Bargatze’s opening bit to standout speeches, surprise wins, and the ongoing comedy/drama category debate, we ask the big question: did the Emmys actually get it right this year? Then we shift gears to honor the life and legacy of Robert Redford. We revisit his iconic collaborations with Paul Newman, his powerhouse run through The Sting, Three Days of the Condor, and All the President’s Men, his Oscar-winning directorial debut Ordinary People, and his later-career gems like All Is Lost and The Old Man & the Gun. Beyond the screen, we explore Redford’s humanitarian spirit, the birth of Sundance, and how he lifted others up throughout his career.

This week, Matt and Bob are joined by returning guest Spenser Davis to break down Zach Cregger’s Weapons—one of the year’s most talked-about horror releases. The trio dig into: How Weapons blends horror, comedy, and social commentary. The Magnolia-style chapter structure—and whether it works or stalls. Memorable moments: from hot dog trays to the film’s most brutal death. The allegories beneath the scares—addiction, failed institutions, and the American suburban nightmare. Aunt Gladys as one of horror’s most unsettling new villains. Along the way, they compare Weapons to Barbarian, debate the value of metaphors and Easter eggs, and even wander into Resident Evil and Oscar predictions. It’s a deep dive into why Cregger has cemented himself as one of the most exciting genre voices working today. 👉 Spoilers throughout.

Matt and Bob dive headfirst into the slapstick chaos of The Naked Gun reboot — dissecting Liam Neeson’s deadpan transformation from action icon to spoof hero, Lonely Island’s layered gag work, and which scenes had them crying with laughter (hint: chili dogs and Starbucks bathrooms are involved). They debate the 80s-style sight gags vs. the sharp 21st-century twists, chart the movie’s laugh-per-minute rate, and wonder if we’re witnessing the revival of the studio comedy. Then it’s over to South Park’s summer season, where Mackie joins ICE, Trump gets the Saddam treatment, and the show proves once again it’s still fearless (and filthy) after all these years. From the politics of parody to the joy of laughing in a packed theater, this episode is part comedy autopsy, part love letter to the art of not giving a damn.

Ep. 293 – Fantastic Four: First Steps, Finally Done Right? Marvel’s first family is back—and this time, it actually works. Bob and Barry return to the MCU ring to break down the third stab at the Fantastic Four legacy, exploring how “First Steps” balances cosmic stakes with emotional storytelling. From Silver Surfer chase scenes during childbirth to Reid’s anxious doomsday logic, we dig into how this version finally got the vibe right—sixties retro-futurism, tight character arcs, and a surprising emotional punch for new parents and longtime fans alike. Plus: Did Galactus get nerfed? Did something get cut from the final act? Is Marvel back? Oh, and yes—we discuss that Doctor Doom tease and whether Robert Downey Jr. has officially become God. Tune in for all that, plus: Mad Men meets The Incredibles? Shia LaBeouf as Silver Surfer (fan cast only, we promise) Paul Walter Hauser’s mole man almost stealing the show Like and Follow Y'all

Episode 292 – James Gunn’s Superman: Hope, Hype & Heroic Uncertainty It’s a bird… it’s a plane… it’s another Analysis Podcast deep dive! In Episode 292, we suit up and fly headfirst into James Gunn’s bold new take on Superman. With a new Clark Kent, a stacked ensemble cast, and a shifting DCEU landscape, there’s plenty to dissect—and even more to speculate on. Bob, and Rob explore: How David Corenswet stacks up in the cape The Superman vs. The Authority tone shift Can Gunn really balance heart, heroism, and humor—or are we just getting Guardians in a cape? The risks of reboot fatigue in a world still haunted by the Snyderverse Whether this film is truly hopeful… or just another IP puzzle piece Plus, we get into the visual tone, the costume decisions, and whether the DCEU can actually be saved (or if we should all just go back to rewatching Man of Steel). Is Gunn’s Superman going to soar—or crash under the weight of expectations? 🎧 Tune in to Episode 292 of The Analysis wherever you get your podcasts. Up, up, and debate away.

Fore! We’re back on the green this week to break down the unexpected swing of Happy Gilmore 2. Bob is joined by comedy connoisseurs Rob Grabowski and Greg Ott (our in-house John Lovitz historian) to discuss Adam Sandler’s long-awaited return to the links—and whether this Netflix-fueled follow-up hits a hole-in-one or slices into fan-service territory. We cover: The surprising charm of the Four Idiot Sons 🧢 Golf cameos galore (Travis Kelce? Eminem? Will Zalatoris??) Ben Stiller's villainous return... and misfire 🎯 Shooter McGavin’s insane asylum redemption arc 🏌️‍♂️ John Lovitz’s perfect cameo and his real-life comeback tour with Andrew Dice Clay The surprise star of the show? Greg’s real-life father-in-law, Kent, who appears in full costume to share what it was like being on set with Sandler and Eminem 🎥🍿 We also ask: Did this movie need to save golf? Was it fun enough to earn a rewatch? And should we brace ourselves for Billy Madison 2? ⛳ Whether you're a golf nut, a Sandlerhead, or just here for the nostalgia, this episode is for you.

Episode 290: Jurassic Park Rebirth – Sexy Dinos & T-Rex Set Pieces 🦖🔥 Welcome back to the pod! Matt and Bob are joined by dinosaur erotica expert Rob Grabowski (yes, seriously) to break down Jurassic Park: Rebirth — the franchise’s latest attempt to resuscitate the dino magic. Did it work? Kinda! We talk: The T-Rex river raft sequence and why it actually slapped ScarJo’s performance (or lack thereof) Why practical dino horror beats CGI bat-raptors in minimarts The missed potential of a dino-in-Brooklyn storyline And yes… which dinosaurs are the sexiest From dumb plot MacGuffins to surprising moments of spectacle, we pick apart the good, the bad, and the straight-up reused. If you’ve ever wondered how horny a dinosaur can be or why Jurassic Park dialogue used to be quote-worthy, this episode is for you. 🧬 Stream it. Theater it. Roast it. Love it. But one thing’s for sure: you’re still gonna hear the theme and feel something. 👉 Drop us your ranking of the Jurassic franchise and your top sexy dinosaur picks — we’re reading them next episode. 🎧 Available wherever you pod.

Episode 289: The Bear Season 4 – Chaos, Dissonance, and Burnout in the Kitchen We’re back, chefs. Season 3 of The Bear was one of our most downloaded episodes last year—so naturally, Adam Franchuch and Paulina Schemanski return to the studio to dissect Season 4. They bring the heat (and the industry cred) as a sous chef and GM of one of Michigan’s top restaurants. This time, we talk: 🍽️ The theme of dissonance—and how it bled into both the plot and our patience 👩‍🍳 Sydney, Sugar, and Richie as the true heart of the show ⏱️ Why every second counts… until you see one more panic attack 👶 The overlooked emotional depth of co-parenting and restaurant family dynamics 🥂 The realism (or lack thereof) of Sweeps’ wine journey 🥖 Whether the show has moved from culinary drama to art-house filler 💔 And of course, Carmy: the trauma, the talent, the tiny green sweatshirt As the series veers from grounded industry storytelling to existential loops, we ask: has The Bear lost the joy of cooking? Tune in for spicy takes, subtle brilliance, and one killer hamburger helper.

🎙 Episode 288: F1: The Movie and 28 Years Later Brad Pitt in a race suit. Zombies with giant weeners. Welcome to summer at the movies. This week, Bob and Matt go full throttle into two new theatrical releases: F1: The Movie (dir. Joseph Kosinski) and 28 Years Later (dir. Danny Boyle). It’s speed, sweat, product placement, and apocalyptic confusion—buckle up. 🟥 In the first half, the guys break down the popcorn spectacle of F1, from Brad Pitt's CGI de-aging and swagger to the real-world logistics of filming between races. Is it Maverick in a race car? Or Talladega Nights with Euro gravitas? They debate the stakes (or lack thereof), gush over the cinematography, and question if this character is more Cliff Booth or Ricky Bobby. ⛔ At 26:25, they shift gears into 28 Years Later, where Danny Boyle brings back fast zombies, bone temples, and possibly the weirdest end sequence of 2025. Is this a Brexit metaphor, or just a gross-out fever dream? 🕒 Chapters: 00:00 – F1: The Movie – Maverick Meets Ricky Bobby 26:25 – 28 Years Later – Zombies, Brexit, and Bone Temples

This week Bob and Matt dissect three very different cinematic releases: Wes Anderson’s pastel chaos, a deep-sea implosion doc, and a tech bro fever dream masquerading as a movie. ⏱️ Chapter Markers: 00:00 – 17:45 | The Phoenician Scheme Wes is back with a hand grenade. Bob breaks down the “Wes Venn Diagram,” Matt praises the comedic rhythm, and Michael Cera steals the show. Bonus: eyebrow analysis and a Benedict Cumberbatch wig appreciation moment. 17:46 – 32:20 | Titan Sub Disaster (Netflix) Implosions, PlayStation controllers, and corporate delusion. Bob relives learning about the story in an escape room, and Matt explores the horrifying audio build-up to tragedy. An unexpectedly gripping doc with more tension than most action films. 32:21 – 41:44 | Mountainhead (Max) Billionaires with soup spoons, gobbledygook dialogue, and a plot so muddled even subtitles tap out. Bob is out, Matt is… somewhat amused. The guys debate whether it's satire, nonsense, or both—and if Steve Carell can save it. (Spoiler: maybe not.)

This week on The Analysis, Bob Pantalone welcomes back film fanatic and pop culture critic Brittney Brown for a deep dive into Apple TV’s breakout hit The Studio—a smart, satirical rollercoaster produced by and starring Seth Rogen. From Martin Scorsese directing a Kool-Aid Man movie to Bryan Cranston mangling lobster at a blackjack table, The Studio hilariously pulls back the curtain on the chaotic, ego-filled, and often absurd world of modern moviemaking. Brittney and Bob unpack their favorite episodes, dig into how real-life industry pressures show up in the storytelling, and reflect on Rogen’s evolution as a creator who’s not afraid to make himself the punchline. 🎬 Expect: Hot takes on standout episodes like the Golden Globes debacle and the Olivia Wilde noir parody Why Catherine O’Hara is having a “Betty White” moment (and why we want more) Insight into streaming strategy, Apple TV+'s quiet rise, and what this show says about the future of Hollywood If you're a fan of Barry, Birdman, Entourage, or just love sharp writing and great ensemble casts—this episode’s for you. 👉 Tune in now, and don't forget to hit subscribe. 🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts. #TheStudio #AppleTV #SethRogen #FilmIndustrySatire #PodcastRecs

Bob is joined by Pee Wee super fan Jules to breakdown HBO's documentary "Pee Wee As Himself" Give it a listen today!

Matt and Bob strip off their wet suits, deep dive and geo locate the exact topics to best discuss the final (maybe) installment of the Mission Impossible series. Give it a listen today!

Tim Robinson super fans Bob, Brittney, and Matt go sewer adventuring and sink into all of the cringe worthy belly laughs that come with A24's "Friendship" Give it a listen today!

Coogler superfan Barry joins to boys to talk about the buzziest movie so far in 2025, SINNNERS Give it a listen today!